Kidscreen’s annual awards program, which honors outstanding work in children’s TV and digital media, has opened the submission window for its 16th edition. And to recognize how the industry is evolving, Kidscreen Awards 2026 has added new categories for standout performances, creative talent and Roblox experiences. 

The entry window will be open starting today until Friday, September 12, with a $100 discount on entry fees available until Friday, August 8.

Winners will be announced during Kidscreen Summit 2026. Taking place in San Diego from February 22 to 25, the Summit is the year’s largest gathering of the global kids entertainment industry. 

Programming entries are welcome in the following categories for projects targeting preschoolers (zero to five), kids (six to 10) and tweens/teens (11 to 15): 

Best New Series 
Best Animated Series 
Best Mixed-Media Series 
Best Live-Action Series 
Best One-Off, Special or TV Movie
Best Holiday or Special Episode 
Best Inclusivity

This year marks the return of the Creative Talent awards to recognize projects that merit special consideration for excellence in the following categories:

Best Design (Animation)
Best Design (Live Action)
Best Directing
Best Music
Best Writing

There’s also a brand-new set of Performance awards celebrating outstanding work in these categories: 

Best Acting
Best Voice Acting
Best Ensemble Cast

And new to the Digital Media awards this year is Best Roblox Experience, which will recognize the year’s best game for a platform that has become a juggernaut in the kids entertainment space. The rest of this Kidscreen Awards field celebrates digital products and platforms targeting preschoolers (zero to five) and kids (six and up):

Best Learning App
Best Mobile Game
Best Alternative Game
Best YouTube Channel
Best Digital Series
Best Podcast

Detailed information about Kidscreen Awards eligibility, judging and submitting entries is available at awards.kidscreen.com.

Pictured in Kidscreen Awards 2025, hosted by TV personality and podcaster Jessi Cruickshank.