Media and events group TellyCast has revealed the first wave of judges for the 2026 Digital Video Awards, marking the next milestone for the fast-growing awards programme celebrating excellence in digital-first video.
The 2026 Digital Video Awards return on May 21, 2026, following a successful inaugural year that established the event as a key fixture in the digital-first calendar. Launched by the publishers of the TellyCast podcast and The Drop content platform, the awards recognise creativity, innovation and commercial excellence across the entire spectrum of digital-first video, spanning creators, studios, broadcasters, brands and producers working across social and digital platforms.
Similarly, the newly announced judges represent a broad cross-section of leaders who are shaping the digital video landscape today. The initial line-up includes:
Tafara Makopa, CEO, Mako Studios
Claire Geddie, director of creator partnerships, Electrify Video Partners
Nat Poulter, VP digital – growth & strategy, BBC Studios
Ahmed Faid, CEO, Dose of Society
Laura Marks, head of digital commissioning, Channel 4
Martin Trickey, managing director, Zoo 55
Sam Glynne, VP, EMEA entertainment & culture marketing, United Talent Agency
Becky Gardner, head of originals, LADbible Group
Siobhan McDade, chief publishing officer, Jungle Creations
Matt Ford, VP commercial, digital studio, Sony Pictures
Amie Parker-Williams, director of digital commissioning and production, MTV & Comedy Central
Brandon Baum, CEO, StudioB Georgina Mantle, Global Creative Director, ITN Productions
Rowan Collinson, Senior Audience Development Editor, Spotify
Fleur Fekkes, Head of Creative Production, Little Dot Studios
Adam Middleton, Head of Digital and Branded Content, Fremantle UK
Matt Campion, Co founder, Spirit Studios
Ruth Mortimer, Global President, Advertising Week
Nat Poulter, VP Digital – Growth & Strategy, BBC Studios
Thom Gulseven, Co founder, Strong Watch Studios
Sam Barcroft, CEO, SWNS Media Group
Further judges will be announced in the coming weeks.
Last year’s awards programme culminated in a London ceremony hosted by Max Fosh, with winners drawn from across independent studios, broadcasters and emerging digital businesses. Studio of the Year went to Wall of Entertainment, while Channel 4.0 claimed Social Video Channel of the Year (Broadcaster) and Sidemen Entertainment was recognised for hit format Inside. Spud Gun Studios picked up four awards on the night, underlining the strength and diversity of the sector.
Justin Crosby, founder of TellyCast, said: “The response to the first ever Digital Video Awards confirmed the appetite for a dedicated digital-first awards programme. The calibre of judges joining us for 2026 reflects both the upward trajectory of the industry and the quality of work being produced across social and digital platforms. We’re excited to be building on the momentum of year one.”
Entries are now open with 35 categories up for grabs. The deadline for entry is February 20, 2026. The DVAs will culminate in a live ceremony at The Londoner Hotel in London’s Leicester Square on May 21 2026, with the event set to further cement its position as a key moment in the calendar for the digital-first and social video industry.
