NEW YORK — The 2026 New York Festivals Television and Film Awards is now open for entries.
Since 1957, New York Festivals has recognized diverse content created by premier storytellers from around the world. The 2026 TV & Film Awards continue this tradition, honoring a wide spectrum of storytelling across all genres and platforms.
With a range of 14 category groups, from investigative journalism and documentaries to scripted series, branded content, streaming, sports, and entertainment, the 2026 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards celebrates “the diverse and dynamic storytelling that defines today’s media landscape.”
Launched in 2022, the WaterBear Award celebrates the ongoing partnership with WaterBear Network by recognizing storytellers whose visionary work raises awareness and motivates audiences to protect our planet. The 2025 WaterBear Award was presented to EUROPE (Light & Shadow GmbH) in the Documentary – Nature & Wildlife category, a film that immerses viewers in the wonders of the natural world.
JusticeAid joined forces with New York Festivals in 2024 to spotlight filmmakers and storytellers dedicated to justice and public engagement through the arts. At the 2025 Storytellers Gala, the inaugural JusticeAid Award honored Invisible Presale Trailer (The Walt Disney Company, Europe & Africa) in the Promotion/Open & ID – Social Justice Promotion category, highlighting “powerful storytelling that challenges societal norms and fosters meaningful change.”
The 2026 competition deadline is December 31, 2025. All entries in the 2026 competition will be judged online by New York Festivals’ TV & Film Awards Grand Jury, a global panel of over 300 award-winning producers, directors, writers, and creative media professionals.
Winners will be revealed at the 2026 Storytellers Gala.
