The global creative community is mourning the loss of Babatunde Akinloye, a gifted filmmaker, respected creative leader, and cherished member of Walt Disney Animation Studios, whose passing has left a profound impact on colleagues, friends, and admirers across the industry.
Akinloye, originally from Los Angeles, California, leaves behind a legacy defined by innovation, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to storytelling.
A Passion for Storytelling That Started Early
From a young age, Babatunde Akinloye displayed an unmistakable passion for cinema and creative expression. Those who knew him best recall how naturally he gravitated toward stories—how he analyzed films, experimented with artistic tools, and sparked conversations that inspired others around him.
His lifelong dedication to the craft of storytelling shaped a remarkable professional journey that would lead him into some of the most influential creative spaces in Hollywood.
A Career Defined by Excellence at Walt Disney Animation Studios
At the time of his passing, Akinloye served as Production Supervisor at Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he played a pivotal role in Story and Creative Development for upcoming feature films.
In this role, Babatunde collaborated closely with directors, producers, writers, artists, and creative executives to ensure each film stayed true to its artistic intent while meeting key production milestones. His colleagues consistently praised his:
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Leadership and clarity,
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Collaborative mindset,
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Creative intuition, and
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Unwavering commitment to excellence.
His influence helped shape narratives that will eventually connect with millions of viewers around the world.
A Wide-Reaching Creative Journey
Babatunde’s path through the entertainment industry reflected both his versatility and his tireless work ethic.
MACRO
After earning his M.F.A. from USC’s Peter Stark Producing Program in 2018, Akinloye joined MACRO, where he contributed to the development and production of prominent film and television projects. His role spanned concept creation, story refinement, and execution, giving him hands-on experience in building content from start to finish.
Disney Collaborations
Following his time at MACRO, Babatunde worked alongside Oscar®-winning producer Yvett Merino at Disney Animation. He immersed himself in production, post-production, and team management across various award-winning titles.
Issa Rae Productions
Akinloye later expanded his storytelling expertise at Issa Rae Productions, where he worked on digital and branded content—further proving his adaptability across multiple creative formats.
Academy Gold Recognition
In 2017, Babatunde was selected for the inaugural Academy Gold program, a prestigious initiative developed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences to cultivate and diversify the next generation of filmmakers. His acceptance into the very first cohort reflected the industry’s early recognition of his talent and promise.
Disney Studios Internship
He also completed an internship with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures’ VFX and Post-Production team, where he gained hands-on experience with the technical side of large-scale film creation.
Educational Excellence and Early Achievements
Before entering the industry, Babatunde earned his B.A. in Film, Television, and Digital Media from the UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television. During his time at UCLA, he received the Chancellor’s Service Award, recognizing his exceptional leadership, commitment, and service to the campus community.
These academic accomplishments foreshadowed a career marked by diligence, collaboration, and a deep respect for the art of filmmaking.
A Legacy of Creativity, Mentorship, and Vision
Throughout his life, Babatunde Akinloye remained dedicated to uplifting others. His colleagues and mentees describe him as:
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A thoughtful mentor,
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A patient collaborator,
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An inspiring creative leader, and
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A person who made every space brighter through kindness and authenticity.
His mission was clear: to create stories that were bold, meaningful, inclusive, and emotionally resonant. His influence will continue to be felt in the projects he touched, the teams he uplifted, and the countless individuals he inspired.
A Community in Mourning
Babatunde’s passing has deeply affected his loved ones, peers, and the wider animation and filmmaking communities. Tributes from colleagues highlight his generosity, calm spirit, intelligence, and the powerful imprint he left on those fortunate enough to work with him.
He is remembered not only for his talents but for his humanity—his warmth, humility, humor, and passion for storytelling that brought people together.
In Loving Memory
Babatunde Akinloye’s life and artistic contributions will continue to influence storytellers for generations to come. His creativity, integrity, and visionary approach to filmmaking enriched the animation world and touched the hearts of many.
He will forever be remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless individuals whose lives were shaped by his work and presence.
May his memory continue to inspire.
