Through the African American Lens: Floyd Norman: An Animated Life

Floyd Norman: An Animated Life is a documentary celebrating the extraordinary career of Floyd Norman, the first African American animator at Disney and a pioneering storyteller whose work has influenced generations of artists. Directed by Michael Fiore and Erik Sharkey, the film combines original animation, interviews, and archival footage to explore Norman’s life as an artist, innovator, and cultural trailblazer. Now in his 90s, Norman continues to mentor and inspire new generations of animators.

After the screening, the audience will see a prerecorded conversation between Norman and LaCharles Ward, the museum’s Supervisory Curator of Photography and Film and Director of the Earl W. and Amanda Stafford Center for African American Media Arts. The program concludes with a live discussion between Ward and Fiore, the film’s producer and co-director. Norman is also slated to receive an Honorary Oscar at the Academy’s November 15, 2026 Governors Awards, alongside Ridley Scott and Glenn Close.

When: Sunday, December 6, 2026

Showtimes: 2:00pm–4:30pm

Venue: National Museum of African American History and Culture, Concourse, Oprah Winfrey Theater

Type: Films; Kids & Families; Lectures & Discussions

Tickets: Free; registration required

Run time: 1 hour 34 minutes

Rating: PG, with parental guidance suggested

Accessibility: Assistive listening devices are available upon request for public programs. Attendees may email [email protected] with accessibility or accommodation requests as early as possible. The museum asks for at least two weeks’ notice to help prepare, although it will try to accommodate requests made later.