2024 STORYTELLERS GALA
Anchored from New York City’s Lincoln Center, over 160 teams sent their acceptances from around the world. Special vignettes featured industry leaders who shared their creative journeys. Together we celebrated excellence and raised glasses of virtual – and real – champagne!
To answer that question, we put together a highlights reel of some NYF Storytellers Gala memorable moments and memorable winning programs through the years. Hope it inspires you as you make your own submission longlist for this year.
What Defines Greatness
IMPORTANT DATES
2024 STORYTELLERS GALA – APRIL 16, 2024
2025 OPEN FOR ENTRIES – JULY 2024
2025 JUDGING BEGINS – JANUARY 2025
2025 SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED – MARCH 2025
NYF SPOTLIGHT
2024 BROADCASTER
OF THE YEAR
Al Jazeera English
For the eighth consecutive year, Al Jazeera English’s coverage of international issues and wide-ranging themes earned Broadcaster of the Year with multiple trophies for Fault Lines, Witness, 101 East, Gold Mafia, Start Here – On the Road, and Earthrise.
2024 production company OF THE YEAR
Zinc Media Group
Known for creating innovative and high-quality content, Zinc Media Group earned repeat Production Company of the Year honors with multiple trophies for Gender Wars, Putin vs the West: At War, Bowelbabe: In Her Own Words, What Matters to You?, Places for London, Modern Slavery, World Mental Health Day 2023, and A Day to Remember.
2024 waterbear awarD
Life Among Lions is a documentary series that shows Jorge Alesanco's life in the Masai Mara, the first man in history accepted by a pride of wild lions. This Spanish scientist has lived with the great kings of the Savannah for more than 15 years, discovering unusual behaviors never before documented and recorded before now.
2024 Lifetime achievement Honoree
Donna de Varona
While trends may come and go, excellence never goes out of style. Since 2011, we’ve recognized some of the driving forces in the broadcasting industry – hands-on leaders with a body of work that has made a lasting impression. Sports journalist, Olympic champion, and award-winning broadcasting pioneer Donna de Varona reported on some 18 Olympics, was instrumental in bringing FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup to network television and was a moving force in support of Congress’ passage of Title IX legislation.
2024 Grand Jury and Advisory Board
Award--winning men and women of the Grand Jury from over 30 countries volunteer their time and expertise for the selection process. The Brain Trust of prominent industry executives on the Advisory Board provide insights into the future.
additions to the skyline
new 2025 Categories
Like NYC itself, the TV & Film Awards are always moving ahead into the future now. We’re excited to introduce new, improved, and unique lanes of competition to win towers to add to your skyline.
Anthology Entertainment Series, Anthology Entertainment Special, Multi-Platform Promotion, Sports Anchor/Analyst, Sports Anthology, Sports Studio Show, Streaming Anthology
Returning and Growing
Storytellers make us laugh, make us cry, make us aware, and remind us we are all connected. Last year we introduced Investigative Journalism documentary and Nonfiction Series documentary. This year they return. Our 14 category groups are your destination for every type of content.
News Program
Entries in this category group, News Program, are either regularly scheduled series or specials that are journalism-based and include on-air categories for Anchors, Reporters and Correspondents – and Best Interview.
News Report/Feature
Entries in this category group, News Report/Feature, are for journalism-based submissions which have a duration shorter than a full program.
sports Program
Entries in this category group, Sports Program, are either regularly scheduled series or specials that are journalism-based. They include on-air categories for Anchors, Reporters and Correspondents as well as competition coverage, anthologies, and short form features.
documentary
Entries in this category group, Documentary, explore a specific topic or point of view in-depth, deal with issues of interest and importance and may be either individual programs or series.
entertainment Program
Entries in this category group, Entertainment Program, are series either live-action or animation and may be live or recorded. Variety programs may be adapted from other mediums. Reality TV drama may be structured or unstructured.
entertainment special
Entries in this category group, Entertainment Special, are specials, “one-offs”, or limited timeframe series. The Special can be live-action, animation, live or recorded, or adapted from other mediums. Special Event is the place for Awards, Parades, and ceremonies.
craft program
Entries in this category group, Craft Program, showcase a particular craft which contributes to the look, sound, or performance of the over-all production elements of the program. All genres of content are eligible for craft categories. This is the place for Innovation, Use of Technology and Technical Production Team.
promotion/open & id
Entries in this category group, Promotion/Open & ID, promote the image/brand of a station, network, website, program, or on-air talent. Categories include generic, episodic, and special tune-in announcements; program opens and main titles; and IDs.
craft promotion/open & id
Entries in this category group, Craft Promotion/Open & ID, showcase a particular craft which contributes to the look or sound of the over-all production elements of a promotion, open, or ID. This is the place for Use of Technology.
streaming
Entries in the category group, Streaming, were created for streaming and include all forms of news, entertainment, sports, esports, and educational/informational content. AVOD and SVOD content are eligible and may be long form or short form.
student
Entries in this category group, Student, were created by students. All genres are welcome in feature length or short form.
films
Entries in the category group, Films, include all genres and may be submitted by Studios or Independents.
corporate image
Entries in this category group, Corporate Image, specialize in company identity, values, social issues, and messaging. They utilize innovative scripting, special effects, documentary storytelling techniques, or live presentation targeting a wide range of audiences.
craft films / productions
Entries in this category group, Craft Films/Productions, are theatrical or corporate content that showcase a particular craft which contributes to the look, sound, or performance of the over-all production elements of the film or production. All genres are eligible for craft categories. This is the place for Use of Technology Technical Production Team, and Innovation including VR/360/AR/MR
SPECIALTY AWARD
waterbear award
WaterBear Network, a free streaming platform dedicated to the future of our planet, partners with New York Festivals to honor filmmakers who are using their talents to save the planet. The WaterBear Award is given to the highest scoring documentary across the Climate Change & Sustainability, Environment & Ecology, and Nature & Wildlife categories.
Sponsors and partners
Our sponsors and partners make all the difference. A big thank you to them all!
