AoE - English - The Gala Youth Media Alliance |

Welcome to the Youth Media Alliance Awards of Excellence page. The competition and gala are held annually in May, alternating between Montreal and Toronto.

The next Gala will be held in Toronto on May 28, 2025.

In December of each year, YMA opens the entries for the next Awards of Excellence. The competition is open to Canadian youth productions whose original language is French when held in Montreal, and English when held in Toronto, and which were broadcast in Canada between January 1 and December 31 of the 2 previous years.

See the Nominations and Gala sections for more details. Visit the YMA website to submit and manage your nominations. Rules and conditions are available on the site. The deadline for receiving entries for the Awards of Excellence is February.

The English-language Awards of Excellence are made possible through the support of CBC/Radio-Canada.

Ticket Purchase

Ticket sales will begin in April.

TICKET PRICES :

Member : $199 / ticket only, $299 / ticket + $100 donation
Non-member : $299 / ticket only, $399$ / ticket + $100 donation
Administrative fees: 5% extra

Buy tickets for TORONTO

The Hosts

The Youth Media Alliance (YMA) is thrilled to announce that Taran Kim and Angela Son, stars of Gangnam Project, will host the 2025 YMA Awards of Excellence Gala. The highly anticipated event will take place at CBC’s Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto on May 28, 2025, celebrating the best in Canadian youth media.

Taran Kim, best known for his role as Leo in Gangnam Project, is a Toronto-based performer with a deep passion for the stage and screen. His experience spans musical theatre, with standout roles in Rock of Ages in Toronto and Anne of Green Gables at the Charlottetown Festival. Whether acting, singing, or dancing, Taran brings a vibrant energy and charisma that captivates audiences.

Joining him is Angela Son, a rising star making waves in the entertainment industry. Known for her role as Sun Hee in Gangnam Project, Angela is not only a talented actress but also an accomplished dancer. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Toronto Metropolitan University, she has trained with top Toronto dance programs, including Footnotes and Doomsday, and is now expanding her creative expression on screen.

Together, Taran and Angela promise to bring fresh energy, charm, and excitement to the Gala stage, making this an unforgettable evening for the youth media community.

Moreover, the gala will be written by Daniel Fernandes, a talented kids’ TV host, writer, director, and digital media producer.

Special Award - Outstanding Performance

Given for a distinguished career in youth production in Canada, this prestigious prize salutes the individual’s contributions to the industry, leadership skills, ability to innovate and inspire and career-long commitment to young Canadians.

Marney Malabar is an acclaimed industry leader, dedicated to producing educational content where every child feels seen and represented on screen. As the former Creative Head of TVOkids, Marney greenlit local and international co-productions in an ever-evolving digital space helping children succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

As an Executive Producer, Marney has earned over forty national and international awards including Daytime Emmys, Canadian Screen Awards, Prix Jeunesse International, the Japan Prize, Youth Media Award of Excellence, as well as a Juno nomination for Children’s Album of the Year. During her tenure as a staff producer at TVO, she won an International Emmy in 1996 for the International Day of Children’s Programming, as well as a Canadian Gemini Award in 2004, 2009, and 2011.

In 2017, Marney earned her Master of Education from the University of Toronto. Now, as a consultant, she continues to collaborate with creators worldwide, developing compelling and inclusive media that captivates young audiences everywhere.

True to her “Just Say YES!” philosophy, Marney is currently embarking on her latest adventure - an 800-kilometer trek along the legendary Camino Francés in Spain.

Special Award - Emerging Talent

This award is given to a promising professional whose achievements have made her a rising star in children’s programming. This award encourages young creators and broadcast professionals to outdo themselves and, more importantly, to pursue a career in youth production.

Lindsay Lee is a talented writer-producer and a founding partner of Gazelle Automations, a film production company specializing in puppetry, miniatures, and animation.

Gazelle has gained recognition in the UK for its work on ITV's Thunderbirds: The Anniversary Episodes. She is the co-creator and writer of Miikshi, an acclaimed series that won the 2023 Kidscreen Award for Best Original Web Series, and 2022 WIFT-T Toronto Best Writing Award, and was a nominee for the 2023 YMA Award for Best Live-Action Program (Preschool).

In 2024, she launched GoTogo, a series produced for CBC. It is truly remarkable that Lindsay has built her own production company, carving out a space for herself in the industry and bringing high-quality children's content to life through her vision, creativity, and determination.

Tribute - APTN

At the 2025 YMA Awards of Excellence, the YMA will pay tribute to APTN in honor of its 25th anniversary.

APTN has played an essential role in fostering and amplifying Indigenous voices in media, including high-quality content for children and youth. Your leadership and the network’s commitment to authentic and diverse storytelling have made a lasting impact on the industry and the next generation of media consumers. We believe this milestone deserves recognition among the creators and industry leaders gathered for the YMA Awards of Excellence.

Monika Ille, CEO, will join us that evening to accept this tribute on behalf of APTN.

This will be followed by an interactive performance of the All Nations Juniors Youth Drum Group: drum,chant, dance and lots of fun !

Founded in 2012, All Nations Juniors is a youth drum group based in Tkaronto that performs a blend of traditional and contemporary styles. The group emerged out of Toronto Council Fire’s Little Embers Youth program, comprised of youth from many different Nations, including Dakota, Anishinaabe, Chippewa, Cree, and Haudenosaunee, as well as invited non-Indigenous — thus, All Nations.

Category descriptions

Best Program
(Live Action Scripted, Live Action Non-Scripted and Animation)

Juries of youth production professionals grant these awards to children’s and youth programs that stand out for their excellence. The categories are: Live Action Scripted, Live Action Non-Scripted and Animation for each age group (Preschool 3-5, Ages 6-9 and Ages 9+)

Best Gaming or Interactive Experiences
(Apps, web games, interactive experiences, website, etc.)
Awarded by our juries of industry professionals, these prizes go to the best digital production intended for interactive platforms. The production will have demonstrated the ability to create an environment and experience specific to its target audience and platform. The chosen production provides an enriched, intelligent environment fostering user engagement and active participation.

Best Short Form Content
(Webseries, linear videos, interstitials or any narrative of less than 5 minutes in length intended for transmission on a linear television network or digital streaming platform)

Awarded by our juries of industry professionals, these 3 new prizes go to the best short form content webseries, linear videos, interstitials or any narrative of less than 5 minutes in length intended for transmission on a linear television network or digital streaming platform for each age group (Preschool 3-5, Ages 6-9 and Ages 9+). The content can be animated, live-action or hybrid. The chosen production stands out for its excellence – more specifically the quality of its pace and editing, its ability to reach its target audience, and a script or content well adapted to the intended platform and audience.

Best Podcast
(Digital audio files that audiences can download on personal devices or stream from web pages. They are episodic series of shows, fictional or educational targeting kids’ audiences)

Juries of youth production professionals grant this new award to children’s and youth podcast that stand out for their excellence. Any fiction or non-fiction programs or series of digital audio files that kids can download and listen to. Entries must include one MP3 file for judging.

Outstanding Youth Performer

This award is designed to spotlight an under-18 individual performer of performers in the industry that uses their unique youth entertainment skill and influence to inspire positive change. They are influential with youth and stand out for their talent in performing, and their uniqueness, audacity, and positive presence on multiple platforms.

Outstanding Youth Ensemble

This award is designed to spotlight an under-18 individual ensemble of performers in the industry that uses their unique youth entertainment skill and influence to inspire positive change. They are influential with youth and stand out for their talent in performing, and their uniqueness, audacity, and positive presence on multiple platforms.

Outstanding Achievement Award
Awarded by a special committee. Given for a distinguished career in youth production in Canada, this prestigious prize salutes the individual’s contributions to the industry, leadership skills, ability to innovate and inspire and career-long commitment to young Canadians.

Emerging Talent Award
Awarded by a special committee. This award is given to a promising professional whose achievements have made them a rising star in children’s programming. This award encourages young creators and broadcast professionals to outdo themselves and, more importantly, to pursue a career in youth production.

Best Narrative Film

(Outstanding Achievement in Short or Feature-Length Productions)

This award recognizes excellence in short film or feature films productions in animation or live-action, aimed at children and youth audiences. Eligible entries must demonstrate exceptional storytelling, technical artistry, and the ability to captivate and engage their target demographic. The winning feature will stand out for its originality, production quality, and impact on its audience.

Best One-Off Special

(Exceptional Standalone Programming)

This award celebrates outstanding single-episode or standalone content created for children and youth. Eligible productions must excel in narrative structure, visual execution, and audience appeal. The winning entry will be recognized for its ability to deliver a memorable and impactful experience within a single program or special.

Best Host(s) or On-Air Personality of the Year

(Excellence in Hosting for Children and Youth Programming)

This award honors a host who brings energy, charisma, and authenticity to children’s and youth programming. The winner demonstrates an exceptional ability to connect with their audience, guide narratives, and enhance the overall viewing experience. Hosting contributions must reflect creativity, professionalism, and positive influence.

The nominees are ....

Award of Excellence for Best Program, Live Action Non-Scripted (Preschool, Ages 3-5)

I Love My Name! - The Fabulous Show with Fay and Fluffy – produced by Lopii Productions Inc; aired on Family Jr
Turtle - Indigenous Art Adventures – produced by APTN; aired on APTN

Award of Excellence for Best Program, Live Action Non-Scripted (Ages 6-9)

I Dream of Ballet - Dream It To Be It – produced by Lopii Productions Inc; aired on TVO, Knowledge Network
Anja - Green Squad – produced by Apartment 11 Productions; aired on TVOKids
Ironworker - Trading Skills – produced by Riverbank Pictures; aired on TVO
If You Say So - Old Enough – produced by Blue Ant Studios, aired on TVO, Rogers

Award of Excellence for Best Program, Live Action Non-Scripted (Ages 9+)

The Barren Grounds - David A. Robertson - Ainara's Bookshelf – produced by Turtlebox Productions; aired on TVOKids, marbleKids
What's In a Frame - Media Stamped – produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment; aired on Telus Optik
Pickleball - 604 - All Round Champion - Season 6 – produced by Blue Ant Studios; aired on TVO, BYUtv, Knowledge Network, PCCW Media

Award of Excellence for Best Program, Live Action Scripted (Preschool, Ages 3-5)

Bunny Family Wedding - Mittens & Pants – produced by Windy Isle Entertainment; aired on CBC
The Case of the Uncompromising Community – Wordsville – produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment; aired on TVOKids, WNET
Odd Ones In - Odd Squad – produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment, BBC Studios Kids and Family; aired on TVOKids, PBS, BBC

Award of Excellence for Best Program, Live Action Scripted (Ages 6-9)

Chickenosaurus Rex pr 1 - Dino Dex – produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment; aired on TVOKids, Amazon Prime, Knowledge Kids, SRC
Ursus Maritimus – Jane – produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment; aired on Apple TV+
Siblings - I Woke Up A Vampire – produced by WildBrain; aired on Family Channel, Netflix

Award of Excellence for Best Program, Live Action Scripted (Ages 9+)

Help Jess - Louise Lives Large – produced by Tailored Films, Vérité Films, Storyhouse; aired on Family Channel
The Wedding - Malory Towers – produced by WildBrain, King Bert; aired on Family Channel, CBBC, BYUtv
Feels Like Home - Beyond Black Beauty – produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment, Leif Films; aired on Amazon Prime, Family Channel
The Day the Music Schneid (103) - Davey & Jonesie’s Locker – produced by Blue Ant Studios; aired on Amazon Prime, Hulu

Award of Excellence for Best Gaming or Interactive Experience

Ainara's Book Club – produced by Turtlebox Productions; available on https://www.ainarasbookclub.com/
Echo Hunter – produced by CBC Kids; available on https://www.cbc.ca/kids/games/all/echo-hunter
Dicey Escape – produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment; available on https://pbskids.org/oddsquad/games/dicey-escape

Award of Excellence, Outstanding Youth Ensemble

Wordsville Cast - Sinking Ship Entertainment
Davey & Jonesie’s Locker Cast - Blue Ant Studios
All Round Champion - Season 6 - Cast - Blue Ant Studios

Award of Excellence, Outstanding Youth Performer

Michela Luci - Dino Dex- Sinking Ship Entertainment
Ava Louise Murchison - Jane - Sinking Ship Entertainment
Ellora Lopez - Rosie's Rules - 9 Story Media, Brown Bag Films

Award of Excellence for Best Program, Short Form Content (Preschool, Ages 3-5)

Hopscotch - Jeremy and Jazzy – produced by Vérité Films; aired on CBC
Starstruck - Silly Paws – produced by CBC Kids; aired on CBC
The Art Show / Giving Feels Good / Bathtime for Harry - Happy Place – produced by Imagine Create Media Inc.; aired on TVO
Eitan and Kristen - Let's Be Friends – produced by Little Engine Moving Pictures; aired on Vimeo

Award of Excellence for Best Program, Short Form Content (Ages 6-9+)

104 - Clem - Armadillo Avalanche – produced by Blue Ant Studios; aired on Distribution 360 Inc.
Stand-Alone Short Video - Benjamin Ojo – produced by Little Engine Moving Pictures; aired on Vimeo
Getting Your First Betta Fish - Street Cents – produced by CBC Kids; aired on CBC

Award of Excellence for Best Program, Animation (Preschool, Ages 3-5)

Understanding Tina – Caillou – produced by IoM Media Ventures Inc.; aired on WildBrain Television Inc.
Lights! Camera! Save Eagle Creek! - Luna, Chip & Inkie: Adventure Rangers Go – produced by Knowledge Network, Epic Story Media, TFO, Canada Media Fund, Shaw Rocket Fund; aired on Knowledge Kids, KidoodleTV, YipeeTV, Apple TV+
Sleepover Party Pooper / Great Growl-Mom - Let's Go, Bananas! – produced by 9 Story Media Group, Brown Bag Films; aired on CBC
A Big Friend for Little Sadie - Dino Ranch – produced by Boat Rocker, Industrial Brothers; aired on CBC

Award of Excellence for Best Program, Animation (Ages 6-9+)

Episode 1 - Butterfly Tale – produced by Les Productions Carpediem (BT) Inc; aired on CRAVE
Episode 1 – SuperKlaus – produced by PVP Media; aired on Family Channel
A Star is Born - Interstellar Ella – produced by Apartment 11 Productions, Fabrique Fantastique; aired on TVOKids, Knowledge Kids
Pirates of the Cabbage'an - Total Drama Island – produced by Fresh TV Inc.; aired on Cartoon Network

Award of Excellence for Best Narrative Film or One-Off Special

Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin – produced by WildBrain; aired on Apple TV+
Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie – produced by WildBrain; aired on Apple TV+
Strawberry Shortcake and the Beast of Berry Bog – produced by WildBrain; aired on Family Jr, Netflix
Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe – produced by Blue Ant Studios, Hawkeye Pictures, Prime Video, CBC; aired on Amazon Prime Video

Award of Excellence, Best Hosts or On-Air Personality of the year

Ainara Alleyne (Ainara's Bookshelf)
Fay and Fluffy (The Fabulous Show with Fay and Fluffy)
Éric Arsenault, Shakira Botticelli, Sigfried Hemming, Kyle Meagher, Lisa Pryce (Green Squad)

Program

To come

Click on the image to consult the program

Schedule

To be confirmed shortly

6:00 p.m: Cocktail

7:30 p.m.: Awards of Excellence Gala

9:00 pm: Closing ceremony

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Call for Entries

April 20, 2025

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Acknowledgement

When in Toronto: We, the YMA, acknowledge the land we work on is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples, and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaty signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.

When in Montreal: We, the YMA, acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional and unceded territory of the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) Nation, who have long served as the custodians of these lands and waters. Tiohtià:ke (Montreal) has historically been a place of meeting and exchange among many First Nations and continues to be home to a diverse Indigenous community.

The YMA supports and promotes the narrative sovereignty of all Indigenous nations