The awards exist with the aim to give creators genuine opportunities for recognition, collaboration and growth and a real step forward in their careers.

Entries closed on Sunday, 5 July across most of the awards' 16 categories, and judging is now underway to determine this year's nominees, says the awards.

For the first time in the awards' history, the Content Creator Awards says it introduced in-person judging sessions in Johannesburg and Cape Town, complementing two weeks of virtual judging.

The collaborative, face-to-face judging experience aimed to add a new dimension to the process and, by all accounts, in-person judging is here to stay, says the awards.

The Content Creator Awards has confirmed a panel of 55 judges for 2026, each bringing extensive experience in their respective industries to the process. It's a panel built to serve creators on both ends of the spectrum: for emerging creatives, a genuine platform and visibility they might not otherwise have; for established creators, an opportunity to secure international work and recognition, adds the awards.

According to the awards, among the high-profile names lending their time and expertise to this year's judging process include:

  • Ammarah Issufo: Founder and CEO of Social Influence Capital.
  • Anele Mgudlwa: Radio 947 / TV Presenter and Co-Owner of Rose and Oaks Media.
  • K Naomi Phakathi: Brand Strategist, K Naomi.
  • Khaya Dlanga: CMO of Independent.
  • Lasizwe Dambuza: Executive Producer of TD Media.
  • Lebo Lion: Founder of Lion Media Group.
  • Lesego Tlhabi: Creative Director at The Exceptional Collective.
  • Lucian Albertyn: Studio and Technical Director and Producer of Expresso and Afternoon Express at Cardova.
  • Michael Constantinides: Head of Strategy and Client Development at Humanz.
  • Nadia Jaftha: Creative Director of Ace Labs / Creator.Club.
  • Nic Burger: Digital Director of Southern Africa Universal Music.
  • Nicole Capper Austin: CMO of Cars.co.za.
  • Nomuzi Mabena: Judge, Nomuzi Mabena Music.
  • Rae Hargreaves: Head of Marketing at Samsung.
  • Sanesh Maharaj: Managing Partner for PR and Influence at Ogilvy.

They are joined by a wider panel, all of whom aim to bring extensive experience in their respective industries to the adjudication process, says the awards.

This panel has the job of adjudicating entries from all the creators who have submitted content, adds the awards.

As a not-for-profit initiative, the Content Creator Awards says it reinvests everything raised back into the creator economy, funding workshops, training and development opportunities that help creators build sustainable, professional careers.

"The calibre of judges we've welcomed this year is exceptional. To have such respected names from across the content, media and entertainment industries dedicate their time to the judging process speaks volumes about the reputation the Content Creator Awards has built," says Manuela Dias de Deus, founder of the Content Creator Awards and One-eyed Jack, the agency behind them.

"Their experience, insight and industry knowledge bring real credibility to the awards and, most importantly, provide meaningful recognition for the creators who are counting on this platform to open doors and create genuine opportunities," adds Dias de Deus.

Once judging has concluded, the nominees will be announced in August 2026. Individuals can keep up the awards on social media and follow #ContentCreatorAwardsSA to be the first to get the news, says the awards.

It's also the public's turn to judge. While the panel work behind the scenes, there's one award only the public can decide: the People's Choice Award.

The public are being called on to share who their favourite creator is. To nominate the South African Creator South Africans believe deserves a spot on this year's list of finalists, they simply need to visit the Content Creator Awards webisite, enter the creators name and their by Sunday, 2 August to nominate. 

According to the awards, key dates include:

  • People's Choice Award Entry Deadline: Sunday, 2 August.
  • Nominee Announcement: August, date to be announced.
  • Workshops and Industry Sessions: August to September.
  • Awards Ceremony: October.

For more information, visit www.contentcreatorawards.co.za. You can also follow One-eyed Jack on Facebook, or on X.

*Image courtesy of contributor