Submissions close on Friday, 13 July, with finalists to be announced on Monday, 31 August. Winners will be revealed at the official awards ceremony on Thursday, 29 October at FAME Week Africa in Cape Town.

The Inclusive Lens Awards are a pioneering platform dedicated to honouring stories that reflect the full breadth of human experience. From LGBTQ+ visibility to disability inclusion and diverse children's programming, the awards spotlight content that challenges perceptions and shapes a more inclusive global screen industry.

Categories That Champion Representation

The 2026 awards recognise excellence across four key areas:

  • Best LGBTQ+ Representation (Film and Series — Scripted and Unscripted)
  • Best Disability Representation (Film and Series — Scripted and Unscripted)
  • Best DEI Representation in Kids Programming (Pre-school and Older-school), and
  • Unseen Impact Award — recognising individuals and organisations driving inclusion behind the scenes.

An Influential Panel of Judges

The 2026 Inclusive Lens Awards will be adjudicated by a powerful collective of industry leaders, creatives, and changemakers whose work actively shapes the future of inclusive storytelling.

This year's panel brings together a dynamic mix of award-winning filmmakers, producers, broadcasters, cultural strategists and advocates for representation. From globally recognised storytellers like Karen Jeynes, to industry builders such as Lawrancia Mqwebu and Louise Callcott-Stevens, and influential voices in youth culture and media like Kim Jayde, the jury reflects the breadth of Africa's creative ecosystem.

They are joined by pioneers driving impact both on and off screen — including Thabile Ngwato, a leader in transforming African media ownership and infrastructure; Tarryn Tomlinson, a prominent advocate for disability inclusion in storytelling; and Tarha McKenzie, whose work continues to expand equitable access across the continent's film landscape.

Rounding out the panel are multidisciplinary voices such as Caleb Swanepoel, whose lived experience informs powerful narratives of resilience; James Byrne, championing access and opportunity through film platforms; and Tongai Furusa, whose post-production expertise brings authentic African stories to life.

Together, this jury represents not only creative excellence, but a shared commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion across the global screen industry.

Driving Industry Change Through Storytelling

As representation continues to influence both audience perception and industry evolution, the Inclusive Lens Awards serve as a catalyst for change — elevating stories that foster empathy, challenge norms and expand opportunity.

"The Inclusive Lens Awards are about recognising the storytellers who are shifting culture through the stories they choose to tell. As Africa's creative industries grow in global influence, it is critical that our content reflects the diversity, complexity and richness of our societies. This platform exists to champion those voices — and to set a new benchmark for inclusive storytelling," says Martin Hiller, Portfolio Director of FAME Week Africa.

A Continued Commitment to Inclusion

Aligned with FAME Week Africa's 2026 theme, "Africa. Untold. Unstoppable.", the Inclusive Lens Awards remain central to the platform's mission — ensuring that inclusion is not an afterthought, but a driving force in the future of African storytelling. 

For more information, visit www.fameweekafrica.com. You can also follow FAME Week Africa on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, or on TikTok.

*Image courtesy of contributor