NEWS

April Deadline nearing

Time flies and we’re already nearing the end of March, meaning that the Standard submission deadline is just around the corner.

On April 1st midnight, submission prices are set to increase – so don’t hesitate to send us your very special work, for a chance to take part in the 2026 edition of YDA.

Meet the jurors

As usual we’re working hard together with our ambassadors and jury chair Mal Ward to establish the full YDA jury panel for 2026, and already we have some world-class names attached for the year!

So keep an eye out on Instagram as we gradually reveal more jury members, and what they each are looking for in young talent.So keep an eye out on Instagram as we gradually reveal more jury members, and what they each are looking for in young talent.

Other News

Stink Returns as YDA 2026 Prime Sponsor

As YDA moves toward the culmination of its brand-new 2026 edition this June, it is  More…

Jury Spotlight – Focus Africa

This year’s YDA brings together five African industry leaders across film, music, advertising and creative  More…

Jury Spotlight – Part 2

We are excited to unveil another slice of our 2026 jury – an exceptional lineup  More…

YDA 2026 Turns Its Focus to Africa 

Africa is the birthplace of storytelling. As the art form has evolved from cave paintings  More…

Late Deadline – 8 May

The LATE deadline for this year is on 8 May (midnight), and there wont be  More…

2026 Jury Spotlight – Part 1

The Young Director Award (YDA) is proud to shine a spotlight on some of the  More…