DARCY Awards

25/08/2026

The inaugural Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards (The DARCYS) have announced the 2026 nominees across nine competitive categories!

We’re also thrilled to announce Tina Friml as host of the inaugural DARCYS and Geri Jewell as the recipient of the inaugural DARCYS Legacy Award, recognizing her groundbreaking contributions to disability representation in entertainment.

Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees and honorees!

Join us October 10 at The Historic Barker Hangar in Santa Monica as we celebrate authentic disability representation across film, television and social media.

Follow and check out the link in bio for the nominees and more.

31/07/2026

As we reflect on the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and wrap up Disability Pride Month, we're excitedly looking ahead to Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards (The DARCY Awards)! We're carrying forward the disability community mantra of "nothing about us, without us" and celebrating the power of authentic representation.

31/07/2026

14/07/2026

Today is the final day to submit to The DARCYs. 🎬

If you have been thinking about applying, now is the time. These awards celebrate real stories and meaningful representation.

Submissions close tonight!!

Tag a filmmaker, creator, or storyteller who should not miss this opportunity.

14/07/2026

🚨 Final reminder!

Today is the last day to submit for The DARCYS, co-produced by Film Independent and formerly known as the Media Access Awards.

If you've been meaning to share this opportunity with someone in your network, now is the time.

Help us recognize the creators and filmmakers sharing authentic disability representation across entertainment.

Submit Here: https://essocal.com/darcy-fb

Only one week remains to submit for The DARCYS!

The Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards, co-produced by Film Independent and formerly known as the Media Access Awards, recognize excellence in disability representation and inclusion across film, television, and social media.

If you know a filmmaker, producer, or creator whose work is helping create more authentic disability representation, encourage them to submit before July 14 at the link in bio.

[Against a deep chocolate brown, bright orange maroon, and a pale ultramarine blue fanning out like beams from a spotlight, text in a cream color reads: “Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards Submissions Open: Now Through July 14.” The logo for the awards name uses an all-caps type treatment with letterforms that have a slightly art deco feel, conveying elegance and prestige.]

09/07/2026

Stories influence how people understand the world around them. 🧡

When disability is shared in a real and thoughtful way, it builds understanding, respect, and connection. That's why The DARCYs, formerly known as the Media Access Awards, celebrate storytellers who are helping create more authentic disability representation in film, television, and social media.

Submissions close July 14. If you or someone you know is creating this kind of work, now is the time to submit your project for consideration.

08/07/2026

Only one week remains to submit for The DARCYS!

The Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards, co-produced by Film Independent and formerly known as the Media Access Awards, recognize excellence in disability representation and inclusion across film, television, and social media.

If you know a filmmaker, producer, or creator whose work is helping create more authentic disability representation, encourage them to submit before July 14 at the link in bio.

[Against a deep chocolate brown, bright orange maroon, and a pale ultramarine blue fanning out like beams from a spotlight, text in a cream color reads: “Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards Submissions Open: Now Through July 14.” The logo for the awards name uses an all-caps type treatment with letterforms that have a slightly art deco feel, conveying elegance and prestige.]

06/07/2026

Who should submit to The DARCYs? 🏆🧡

Formerly known as the Media Access Awards, The DARCYs recognize filmmakers, television creators, social media creators, and storytellers who are helping shape more authentic disability representation through storytelling.

These awards celebrate creative work that challenges stereotypes, amplifies disabled voices, and helps change how disability stories are told.

Share this with someone whose work deserves to be seen!