‘The Pitt,’ ‘All Her Fault,’ and More Among Nominees for The DARCYS 2026

Easterseals Disability Services and Film Independent have announced the nominations for the inaugural Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards (The DARCYS), said to recognize outstanding achievement in authentic disability representation across film, television, and social media, honoring filmmakers, performers, and creators who are reshaping narratives and setting a new standard for disability inclusion. Among the list of nominees are current Emmy contenders “The Pitt” on HBO Max, and “All Her Fault” on Peacock, plus films like “Color Book,” and actors like “Bugonia” breakout Aidan Delbis. Formerly known as the Media Access Awards, the inaugural DARCYS awards ceremony will be hosted by comedian Tina Friml, and take place on Saturday, October 10, at The Historic Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. The show, which will give out awards for nine competitive categories, plus its first-ever Legacy Award to actor, comedian, activist, author and speaker Geri Jewell, will be broadcast on PBS SoCal (date TBD), with rebroadcasts on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings). “As we launch The DARCYS, we are thrilled to honor the extraordinary talent helping to reshape the way disability is seen and understood,” said Mark Whitley, President & CEO of Easterseals Southern California, “and proud to have Tina Friml bring her unique voice, humor and perspective to this celebration of authentic representation. From the nominees who are telling powerful, authentic stories, to Geri Jewell, whose groundbreaking career opened doors for generations to come, this year’s honorees embody the progress we want to see across entertainment and popular culture.” The ceremony is co-produced by Film Independent Spirit Awards’ Executive Producers Shawn Davis and Andrew Schaff, in collaboration with Live Digital Entertainment Executive Producer Eddie Delbridge. “I can’t wait to celebrate this extraordinary group of nominees who are bringing their talent, creativity and unique voices to our industry,” added Davis via statement. “It’s inspiring to see the work they’re doing, the impact they’re making and the ways they are helping shape the future of entertainment. I’m equally excited to be working with Tina Friml as our host. Tina brings such a fresh, fearless and hilarious perspective to everything she does, and I look forward to seeing her bring that energy, joy and incredible sense of humor to the DARCYS stage.” See the full list of nominees for the first ever Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards below. Best FeaturePresented to the director, writer, producer and featured talent. “Color Book”Director/Writer/Producer: David FortuneProducers: Autumn Bailey-Ford, Kiah Clingman, Kristen UnoFeatured Talent: Jeremiah Daniels “Espina”Director/Writer/Producer: Daniel PolerProducers: Jorge Abarca, Paulina Mondragón, Gloria Ortega, Ari Tan, Frida TorresblancoFeatured Talent: Jonathan Benaim “Horsegirls”Director/Writer: Lauren MeyeringWriter/Producer: Mackenzie BreedenProducers: Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Michael ShermanFeatured Talent: Lillian Carrier, Matthew Schwab Best Performance in a Feature Autumn Best“BRB” Aidan Delbis“Bugonia” Anna Sargent“Take Me Home” Best DocumentaryPresented to the director and producer. “The Haunting of Pennhurst”Directors/Producers: Mike Attie, Katarina Poljak, Nathan R. StenbergProducer: Daniel J. Chalfen “The Ride Ahead”Director/Producer: Dan HabibDirector: Samuel Habib “You Look Fine”Director/Producer: J. Snow Best Scripted SeriesPresented to the creator, executive producer, co-executive producer and featured talent in multiple episodes. “All Her Fault”Creator/Executive Producer: Megan GallagherExecutive Producers: Jennifer Gabler Rawlings, Nigel Marchant, Gareth Neame, Christine Sacani, Sarah Snook, Minkie Spiro, Joanna StrevensFeatured Talent: Daniel Monks “The Pitt”Creator/Executive Producer: R. Scott GemmillExecutive Producers: Simran Baidwan, Michael Hissrich, Erin Jontow, Joe Sachs, John Wells, Noah WyleFeatured Talent: Tal Anderson, Jessica “Limer” Flores, Victoria Mack, Christopher Thornton “Pulse”Creator/Executive Producer: Zoe RobynExecutive Producers: Carlton Cuse, Emma Forman, Bradley Gardner, Michael KlickCo-Executive Producers: Shepard Boucher, Ann Cherkis, Helen Childress, Johanna Lee, Joshua TrokeFeatured Talent: Jessy Yates Best Performance in a Scripted Series Liz Carr“Good Omens” Daniel Monks“All Her Fault” Jessy Yates“Pulse” Best Unscripted SeriesPresented to the creator, executive producer and co-executive producer. “Jay & Pamela”Executive Producers: Julie Insogna-Jarrett, Seth Jarrett, Chaney Moon, David St. JohnCo-Executive Producers: Rahel Tennione, Carrie Vandiver Skor “Love on the Spectrum”Creator/Executive Producer: Karina Holden, Cian O’Clery “Renegades”Creator: Day Al-MohamedSeries Producer: Amanda UpsonExecutive Producers: Michael Kantor, Carrie Lozano, Charlotte Mangin Best Achievement in Casting EnsemblePresented to one film’s director or series creator, casting director and featured ensemble cast. “The Pitt”Creator/Executive Producer: R. Scott GemmillCasting Directors: Erica Berger, Cathy Sandrich GelfondFeatured Ensemble Cast: Tal Anderson, Jessica “Limer” Flores, Diana Elizabeth Jordan, Victoria Mack, Christopher Thornton Christopher Reeve Emerging Talent AwardCreated by Christopher Reeve, this award is presented to an up-and-coming actor who is living with paralysis in support of their career in entertainment. Includes a $5,000 cash grant from the Christopher Reeve Foundation. Vincent RutleyActor, Disability Influencer, Author Best Social CreatorPresented to the content creator(s) who host(s) and produce(s) the affiliated account. Molly Burke@MollyBurkeOfficial Cassidy Huff@CassHuff The Squeaky Wheel@thesqkywheel