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Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards (The DARCYS)

Celebrate authentic disability representation in film, television, and digital media. Submit work to the Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards formerly known as the Media Access Awards.

Submissions for the 2026 DARCYS are now closed. 

The DARCYS celebrate the creators, performers, storytellers, and industry leaders advancing authentic disability representation across film, television, and digital media. 

On October 10, 2026, entertainment leaders, advocates, and changemakers will gather at the Historic Barker Hangar in Santa Monica for the inaugural awards ceremony. 

A New Chapter for Entertainment

The DARCYS are designed to recognize more than what appears on screen. They highlight the creative decisions, leadership, and collaboration needed to make authentic disability representation part of the entertainment industry's future. With guidance from people with disabilities working across entertainment, advocacy, and media, The DARCYS reflect a community-led approach to honoring stories that are meaningful, inclusive, and culturally relevant.

A banner image of a woman being interviewed on camera.

The Industry Is Paying Attention

Major media outlets, entertainment leaders, and disability advocates are shining a spotlight on The DARCYS and the growing conversation around authentic representation in entertainment.

A Landmark Celebration

The inaugural DARCYS ceremony will bring together artists, creators, advocates, entertainment leaders, and partners for an evening dedicated to recognition, connection, and celebration.
Held at the Historic Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, the event will honor standout work across film, television, digital media, and entertainment leadership while creating space for the industry to celebrate authentic disability representation together. 

A woman with brown hair and clear square framed glasses wearing a black dress and a rust orange fur coat.

The DARCYS signals to Hollywood that authentic inclusion means trusting disabled people to not just participate but to lead.

— Nicole Lynn Evans, Disability Advisory Committee Co-Chair, as quoted in Forbes

Awards Categories & Nominations

The DARCYS recognize excellence across film, television, digital media, and entertainment leadership, honoring the creators, performers, and storytellers helping shape the future of authentic disability representation and inclusive storytelling.

Nominee Announcements

The inaugural DARCYS nominees represent outstanding achievements in film, television, digital media, and entertainment leadership.

Visit The DARCY Awards in the News to access nominee laurels, download the complete nominee list, and read the latest announcements.

Visit the Newsroom

Guided by Industry Leaders and Advocates

The Disability Advisory Committee has been instrumental in the evolution of The DARCYS, helping ensure the awards reflect the perspectives and experiences of professionals with disabilities working across the entertainment industry. Through their ongoing guidance, The DARCYS champion authentic representation, meaningful inclusion, and community-led leadership in storytelling.

Co-Chairs: Emily Ladau and Nicole Lynn Evans

Committee members: Jamie Brewer, Christine Bruno, Lawrence Carter-Long, Ashley Eakin, Danny J. Gomez, CJ Jones, Danny Kurtzman, Lachi, Jim LeBrecht, Sue Ann Pien, and Lolo Spencer

Sponsorship & Table Sales

Partner with us to advance authentic disability representation and inclusion. To explore sponsorship opportunities or reserve a table for The DARCYS, please contact darcyawards@essc.org.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The DARCYS are made possible through the generous support of organizations that believe in authentic disability representation, accessibility, and inclusion.

Learn More About The DARCYs

  • History

    Media Access Awards rebrand as The DARCYS, expanding a 40+ year legacy to celebrate disability arts, culture, and authentic representation in media.
  • A camera operator films a television news broadcast in a blue-lit studio while two presenters sit at a news desk in the background.

    The DARCY Awards in the News

    Explore media coverage, industry recognition, and updates surrounding the Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards (The DARCYS).

Follow @DARCYAwards on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. If you have additional questions, email us at darcyawards@essc.org.