The C21 International Drama Awards 2026

The C21 International Drama Awards are set to recognise the best in global scripted creativity through one of the most highly regarded awards shows in the business. Finalists are selected by a judging panel of leading buyers, commissioners and producers from across the international television industry.

This showcase brings together this year’s finalists across all categories, spotlighting the storytelling, craft and global impact of the most exceptional dramas of 2026.

The Awards Ceremony will take place at Content London on 3 December 2026. All finalists are entitled to two complimentary tickets to the Drama Awards ceremony only. The ceremony is open to all delegates attending Content London 2026.

Best Digital-First Drama Series

This category celebrates dramas that originate on, or are primarily designed for, digital-native platforms such as YouTube, TikTok or Twitch, rather than traditional broadcast or cable. Shaped by the dynamics of digital audiences and built for interactive participation, the strongest entries are rooted in the digital space but have grown or show clear potential to grow into multi-platform brands.

Best Comedy-Drama Series

This category will award the show which best uses comedy to drive its dramatic plot, either to punctuate certain scenes or provide some brief comic relief. We’re not looking for sitcoms, but instead dramas with a compelling story, which are amusing or satirical in their tone. It must demonstrate great storytelling, casting, character, screenplay, direction and production while also making us laugh. The judges will pay particular attention to series that have enjoyed unrivalled critical and ratings success in their home territory and at television markets and festivals around the world.

Best Returning Comedy Drama Series

This category will award the series which is the best new season iteration of an existing comedy drama. This category will award the show which best uses comedy to drive its dramatic plot, either to punctuate certain scenes or provide some brief comic relief. We’re not looking for sitcoms, but instead dramas with a compelling story, which are amusing or satirical in their tone. It must demonstrate great storytelling, casting, character, screenplay, direction and production while also making us laugh. The judges will pay particular attention to series that have enjoyed unrivalled critical and ratings success in their home territory and at television markets and festivals around the world.

Best Returning Drama Series

This category will award the best new season iteration of an existing drama series. This can include any series of an ongoing drama that is not “series one”.

Best Individual Performance in a Comedy-Drama Series

This award will be given for a definitive performance in a comedy-drama series by an individual, and one that is recognised internationally by comedy-drama buyers from channels worldwide. This person will be recognised as making the most significant performance and creating a buzz in the global comedy-drama business that resonates worldwide.

Best Individual Performance in a Drama Series

This award will be given for a definitive performance in a dramatic series by an individual, and one that is recognised internationally by drama buyers from channels worldwide. This person will be recognised as making the most significant performance and creating a buzz in the global business that resonates worldwide.

Best Casting of a Drama Series

This category awards the best overall casting in a drama series. The judges will look for the most rounded, inspirational casting which brings variety and depth to the production. Attention will be paid to both lead actors and supporting cast and to how the drama series uses casting to enhance the story and bring additional depth. Additional weight will be given to casting that enables a drama series to work across territories and create buzz across different international markets.

Best TV Movie

This category will award the best TV movie, defined as a single feature length production shown in one part. The judges will look for genre defining production and excellence across all areas of casting, story and production. The judges will also take account of the potential for success in the international market.

Best Miniseries

The category will award the best mini-series, defined as a short run drama of 6 or less parts. The judges will look for genre defining production and excellence across all areas of casting, story, production. The judges will also take account of the potential for success in the international market.

Best English-Language Drama Series

This category awards the English language drama series which displays the most ‘genre defining’ project in its class. It must demonstrate the most compelling story, casting, character, screenplay, direction, cinematography, music and production. The judges will pay close attention to series that have enjoyed unrivalled critical and ratings success in their home territory and at television markets and festivals around the world.

Best Non-English-Language Drama Series

This category will award the best drama series produced in a language other than English which displays the most ‘genre defining’ project in its class. It must demonstrate the most compelling story, casting, character, screenplay, direction, cinematography, music and production. The judges will pay close attention to series that have enjoyed unrivalled critical and ratings success in their home territory and at television markets and festivals around the world.