Armenian Filmmaker Madeline Sharafian Earns Second Oscar Nomination for Pixar’s ELIO

Madeline Sharafian has earned her second Academy Award nomination, this time for directing Disney/Pixar’s animated feature ELIO. While she was previously nominated in 2021 for Pixar’s BURROW (Best Animated Short Film), ELIO marks her first Oscar nomination for a feature-length film, showing her rise as a major talent in animation and a trailblazer for Armenian filmmakers in Hollywood.

Sharafian shares directing duties on ELIO with Domee Shi and Adrian Molina. This film is her feature-length directorial debut, making her the first Armenian and only the third woman in Pixar’s history to direct a full-length movie.

ELIO follows an 11-year-old boy who loves space and has a vivid imagination. The young protagonist embarks on a cosmic adventure, encountering alien lifeforms, navigating an intergalactic crisis, and learning more about who he is meant to be. The film combines humor, heart, and a sense of wonder, showcasing Sharafian’s talent for storytelling.

Sharafian began working at Pixar immediately after college in 2015 and quickly advanced from short films to directing a major feature. Her rapid ascent reflects a remarkable combination of creativity, dedication, and skill.

In 2025, Sharafian was honored at the Armenian Film Society Gala, where her award was presented by her Pixar colleague Katherine Sarafian. The recognition celebrated her contributions to cinema and her role as a trailblazer for Armenian artists in the animation industry.

The 2026 Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, where Sharafian will compete for the Oscar in the Best Animated Feature category with ELIO, facing fellow nominees Arco, KPop Demon Hunters, Little Amélie or the Character of Rain, and Zootopia 2.

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