A powerhouse panel of 100+ global leaders will judge the world’s most innovative television and film work
The New York Festivals Television & Film Awards has announced its 2026 Grand Jury, bringing together more than 100 of the world’s most respected voices in television and film to evaluate this year’s most compelling and innovative storytelling.
Each year, NYF assembles an elite jury of award-winning filmmakers, directors, journalists, executive producers, dramatists, and screenwriters from over 25 countries. These industry leaders bring decades of hands-on experience and global perspective to ensure a rigorous, fair, and peer-driven judging process across all platforms and genres.
A Truly Global Jury
The 2026 Grand Jury represents some of the world’s most influential media organizations spanning news, documentaries, entertainment, sports, and corporate storytelling.
Notable companies represented include:
NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, BBC, Al Jazeera Media Network, Radio-Canada, ZDF, Fuji Television, The Walt Disney Company, ESPN, Mediacorp, TV Globo, Movistar+, CNN International, Sony Pictures Television Iberia, France Télévisions, Banijay Rights, and many more.
NYF on the Power of Peer Review
“We are thrilled to welcome these globally recognized storytellers to the 2026 edition of the Grand Jury,” said Rose Anderson, Executive Vice President, New York Festivals.
“These men and women generously volunteer their time. Their collective expertise, passion, and commitment to excellence across all genres is what makes NYF’s peer review process fair, thoughtful, and truly meaningful.”
2026 TV & Film Awards Grand Jury Highlights
The jury includes senior leaders and creatives such as:
- Monica Albuquerque, SVP Scripted Content & Development, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, USA
- Michael Gray, Series Executive Producer, BBC, UK
- Brian Lockhart, SVP Original Content, ESPN, USA
- Monica Sarbu, Executive Director, CNN International, Romania
- Akira Nishimura, Executive Producer, Fuji Television, Japan
- Jessica Soho, Broadcast Journalist, GMA Network, Philippines
- Tom Jennings, Founder & President, 1895 Films, USA
- Sara Cooper, President & CEO, Plastic Pictures, UK
(The full Grand Jury list spans leaders from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East.)
Judging, Awards & Special Honors
All entries will be reviewed through online judging panels, with jurors scoring work based on industry-specific criteria. Awards include Gold, Silver, and Bronze Trophies, with the highest-scoring entries earning the prestigious Grand Trophy.
Special Industry Awards will recognize:
- Broadcaster of the Year
- Production Company of the Year
- Program Promotion Team of the Year
The WaterBear Award
The WaterBear Award will honor the highest-scoring documentary across:
- Climate Change & Sustainability
- Environment & Ecology
- Nature & Wildlife
Presented in partnership with WaterBear Network, the award will be announced at the 2026 Storytellers Gala on May 21, 2026.
Celebrating Global Storytelling Since 1957
Since its founding in 1957, the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards has celebrated excellence across all genres—evolving alongside global media trends and emerging platforms. Winning entries will be showcased in the TV & Film Awards Winners Gallery, spotlighting the year’s most impactful storytelling.
Entry Deadline
📅 Final deadline to enter: December 31, 2025
