Round One

For each category, Kidscreen will assemble a first-round panel of mid-level programming executives and respected kids industry experts. All jurors will either be currently working in the category they're judging, or will have a lot of past work experience in that field.

They will assess all of the entries we receive in their respective category on a scorecard against a provided set of criteria. Based on cumulative scores, the top-scoring programs in each award category will make it onto a shortlist.

Round Two

A second panel of judges composed of senior-level programming executives, distributors, and producers as well as craft, talent and digital experts will assess each of the shortlisted entries in their assigned categories, using the same scorecard and criteria. Based on cumulative scores and jury discussion, winners for each category will be selected.

Best Inclusivity

The winners of these awards will be selected by a special jury of kids media executives in diversity-focused roles and/or with a background in inclusive content. Entries will be assessed based on their balanced representation of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color), LGBTQ+ and disabled characters in a positive and non-stereotypical way. Judges will also take into consideration efforts made behind the scenes to ensure the production involved the diverse voices and communities portrayed on-screen.

All winners will be announced in an expansive new two-phase format, providing industry profile at the nominee (November 2026) and winner stage (January 2027) via in-depth spotlights on the very best in kids' entertainment across all of Kidscreen's editorial platforms and social media channels.

Kidscreen’s awards of excellence are determined based on final round jury discussions led by our Chairs. These awards celebrate the most outstanding programs in each of the competition’s six main categories: 

Best in Class – Preschool
Best in Class – Kids
Best in Class – Tweens/Teens
Best in Class – Creative Talent
Best in Class – Performance
Best in Class – Digital