YDA 2026 Winners
Please view the YDA 2026 Winners Showcase below
YDA 2026 Winners & Shortlist Showcases
SPECIAL AWARDS
Special Jury Award and Special Jury Mention
GOLD WINNERS
View the Showreel for all 2026 Gold Winners.
SILVER WINNERS
View the Showreel for all 2026 Silver Winners.
Animation Shortlist
Animation provides a whole new type of canvas from which artists can explore and alter the boundaries of storytelling. Films entered into this category can be entirely animated or can combine live action filmmaking with animation. In the latter case, note that a substantial part of the film must be animated.Traditional animation is welcomed, alongside CGI.
Branded Content Shortlist
This category is open to long-format branded films. Entries into this category must be longer than 120 seconds. Entries in the category can be any film that is highlighting a brand, such as Fashion Films, NGOs, etc.
Changing the World Frame by Frame Shortlist
“So how do we move forward in these uncertain times? The only answer …is to embrace more creativity.” Advertising legend, Sir John Hegarty, created the concept of ‘Changing the world frame by frame’ over a decade ago. Originally focused on advertising’s potential for positive societal impact, this category now expands to greater dimensions, encompassing all formats. Whether a documentary, a short-film or a commercial, we want to see films which hold a mirror up to the social and environmental preoccupations of the world today. In the spirit of Hegarty’s words, filmmakers must embrace creativity to propose an artistic vision of the future..
Comedy Shortlist
Humour has been used to sell everything from beers to beds, from peanuts to political parties… and we want to see the finest, fiercest and, of course, funniest use of comedy!
Commercial Shortlist
This category is open to the diverse landscape of commercials commissioned by a brand which encapsulate creative excellence. Submissions can be produced for platforms such as television, cinema, social media, or online campaigns. Eligible entries should have a maximum length of 120 seconds.
Charity Commercial Shortlist
This category is open to films commissioned to promote public service, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), fundraising, public health, and public awareness promotions. Through compelling and compassionate storytelling, these films contribute to positive change, fostering a ripple effect of understanding and engagement in their wake.
Creative Use of Sound Shortlist
From compelling music, to expressive use of sound effects or even an original song, this category is dedicated to the artistry of audio.
Documentary up to 10 mins Shortlist
This category is open to documentaries that are 10 minutes or less in length. These films should provide a concise yet impactful exploration of their subject matter.
Documentary 10 mins and over Shortlist
This category is open to directors who can use film to create an authentic representation of reality, and who use different cinematic techniques to evoke a subject. These films should seek to bring the reality of the subject closer to its audience. 10 mins and over.
Film School up to 10 mins Shortlist
Films eligible for this category must be the work of a student. Entries in this category MUST be under 10 minutes long.
Film School 10 mins and over Shortlist
Films eligible for this category must be the work of a student. Entries in this category MUST be 10 minutes or longer.
First Series Completed Pilot Shortlist
A pilot is defined as the first episode of a series, produced to establish tone, format and narrative or thematic direction, not as a pitch or development project.
First Series Full Series Shortlist
A full series submission must include a minimum of two completed episodes, in order to allow the jury to assess serial structure and consistency in directing, without requiring a full season.
Music Video Shortlist
Music is the melody for creative expression and takes centre stage in this category. Entries must have been commissioned by an artist, management or label to promote music projects as this category is not dedicated to music driven video art or personal passion projects.
Passion Project Shortlist
Personally-inspired and NOT commissioned, this category is open to young directors and/or creative teams whose passion for filmmaking shines through in their projects. The filmmaker has complete freedom to be experimental and imaginative.
Short Film up to 10 mins Shortlist
Short Film up to 10 mins. The short film format is both the playground for emerging storytellers, and the stepping stone for artists to sculpt their vision.. This category is open to fiction and non-fiction films, including documentaries.
Short Film 10 mins and over Shortlist
Short Film 10 mins and over. The short film format is both the playground for emerging storytellers, and the stepping stone for artists to sculpt their vision.. This category is open to fiction and non-fiction films, including documentaries.
Super Short Shortlist
This category is open to works that are compact and compelling. Films should not be longer than 60 seconds, therefore, content created for social media naturally falls within this category. Although films can be branded, they should prioritise storytelling over branding.
Video Art Shortlist
The video art category is open to non-branded, purely artistic work. This work can be an independent project or can have been commissioned by a patron. In this category, we want to see daring expressions of video art. Work should move the viewer like a painting, and realistically can be imagined as part of an art installation.