With roots in France and Germany, Arte beat out nominees from Switzerland (Suisse/RTS), Slovenia (Radio Televizija Slovenija/RTV) and Spain (Televisió de Catalunya/TVC) to take the top prize as Broadcaster of the Year in 2024’s Cartoon Forum Tributes awards. 

Producer of the Year honors went to Ireland’s Cartoon Saloon (Puffin Rock, Silly Sundays—which was pitched at the event in 2018). Movimenti Production (Italy), Pikkukala (Finland/Spain) and Sacrebleu Productions (France) were also nominated.

And Germany’s ZDF Studios (featured image) walked away with the Investor/Distributor of the Year trophy, beating out Groupe Madrigall (France), Prime Entertainment Group (France) and Mondo TV Studios (Spain).

Cartoon Forum also surprised Luca Milano, executive director of RAI Kids, with a Cartoon Tribute of Honor award in recognition of his decades of service and many contributions to Italy’s animation industry. Milano received a standing ovation from a very appreciative crowd.  

Cartoon Forum 2024’s 1,000 attendees have voted over the past few days to determine the winners of this year’s Cartoon Tributes. 

This year’s pitchfest featured 75 animated series concepts from 20 European countries. Cyber Group Studio’s presentation of Master of the Unicorn attracted the most buyers, with 100 in attendance. This was followed by The Wolf in Underpants from KMBO Production/Les Films de l’Arlequin (98) and Lost in the Future from Ellipse Animation (95). 

The best-attended pitch overall was A Lamb’s Stew from La Cabane Productions and Thuristar with 267 in the audience. Take Five/Sacrebleu Productions/Rudo Company’s Esther (249) and The Wolf in Underpants (243) were not far behind.