‘Don’t Forget to Dance’ Wins Best Film at 2026 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Awards
“Don’t Forget to Dance,” “The Ticket” and more were among the winners of the 2026 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. The winners were announced Thursday night at an awards ceremony at Sony Pictures Studios.
For the 2026 challenge, the featured genre was Dramedy, and the challenge received a record 144 submissions this year. The Film Challenge was held in March, during which registered filmmakers are given a span of five days over the designated timeframe to write and produce short films, all of which promote disability inclusion in front of and behind the camera.
“It was a magical night that once again put a spotlight on authentic storytelling and disability inclusion in Hollywood,” said actor, comedian, producer and disability advocate Nic Novicki in a statement. Novicki is a little person who is the founder and director of the challenge and a board member of Easterseals Southern California.
“True progress in the entertainment industry means ensuring that people with disabilities are part of the conversation at every level,” he added. “The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge exists to do exactly that. Thanks to sustained industry support, we have been able to elevate new voices, launch remarkable talent, offer year-round learning opportunities and help filmmakers from around the world achieve meaningful success on both sides of the camera. We’re proud to serve as a trusted resource for Hollywood.”
Dedicated to advocating for authentic storytelling and casting in the entertainment industry, winners of the challenge receive access to industry-focused resources with the goal of helping them achieve their goals. This includes a $2,000 cash prize award for winners, Dell Technologies computers, one-year IMDbPro premium membership, one-year membership to Film Independent provided by the Golden Globe Foundation, screenings at Academy Award-qualifying festivals and mentorship meetings with entertainment industry executives and talent.
The challenge is made possible by support from: Amazon MGM Studios, Comcast NBCUniversal, Dell Technologies, Golden Globe Foundation, IMDbPro, Intel, Microsoft, Netflix, Paramount, SAG-AFTRA, Sony Pictures Entertainment, The Walt Disney Studios and Warner Bros. Discovery.
See the full list of 2026 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge winners below.
Best Film presented by Sony Pictures:“Don’t Forget to Dance,” Tim BartowBest Director presented by NBCUniversal:
“The Ticket,” Jayla Hodge, Jaylin Hodge & Jerah MilliganBest Actor presented by IMDbPro:“Neighborhood Watch,” Vincent RutleyBest Writer presented by Netflix:“Crip Club,” Aya Obeid and Shan Hafez
Best Editor presented by Paramount: “The Ticket,” Tony Pape
Best Awareness presented by Amazon MGM Studios:“Back to the Dark Ages,” Anna Pakman
For the 2026 challenge, the featured genre was Dramedy, and the challenge received a record 144 submissions this year. The Film Challenge was held in March, during which registered filmmakers are given a span of five days over the designated timeframe to write and produce short films, all of which promote disability inclusion in front of and behind the camera.
“It was a magical night that once again put a spotlight on authentic storytelling and disability inclusion in Hollywood,” said actor, comedian, producer and disability advocate Nic Novicki in a statement. Novicki is a little person who is the founder and director of the challenge and a board member of Easterseals Southern California.
“True progress in the entertainment industry means ensuring that people with disabilities are part of the conversation at every level,” he added. “The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge exists to do exactly that. Thanks to sustained industry support, we have been able to elevate new voices, launch remarkable talent, offer year-round learning opportunities and help filmmakers from around the world achieve meaningful success on both sides of the camera. We’re proud to serve as a trusted resource for Hollywood.”
Dedicated to advocating for authentic storytelling and casting in the entertainment industry, winners of the challenge receive access to industry-focused resources with the goal of helping them achieve their goals. This includes a $2,000 cash prize award for winners, Dell Technologies computers, one-year IMDbPro premium membership, one-year membership to Film Independent provided by the Golden Globe Foundation, screenings at Academy Award-qualifying festivals and mentorship meetings with entertainment industry executives and talent.
The challenge is made possible by support from: Amazon MGM Studios, Comcast NBCUniversal, Dell Technologies, Golden Globe Foundation, IMDbPro, Intel, Microsoft, Netflix, Paramount, SAG-AFTRA, Sony Pictures Entertainment, The Walt Disney Studios and Warner Bros. Discovery.
See the full list of 2026 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge winners below.
Best Film presented by Sony Pictures:“Don’t Forget to Dance,” Tim BartowBest Director presented by NBCUniversal:
“The Ticket,” Jayla Hodge, Jaylin Hodge & Jerah MilliganBest Actor presented by IMDbPro:“Neighborhood Watch,” Vincent RutleyBest Writer presented by Netflix:“Crip Club,” Aya Obeid and Shan Hafez
Best Editor presented by Paramount: “The Ticket,” Tony Pape
Best Awareness presented by Amazon MGM Studios:“Back to the Dark Ages,” Anna Pakman