Charity News

Winners Announced for the 2026 Charity Film Awards

The winners of the 2026 Smiley® Charity Film Awards have been announced, recognising the most powerful and impactful cause-based films across the UK and internationally. Now in its ninth year, and powered by the positive news platform Smiley Movement, the awards champion storytelling that moves people to take action. This year’s digital-first edition has been designed to maximise reach and turn views into donations, with audiences able to watch and vote for their favourite films. A total of 29 winners have been awarded £101,000 in prize funding, including £10,000 each for the two Grand Prix winners. All other category winners, including the Corporate Cause Award winner, receive £3,000. The Charity Film Awards are recognised by both the British Film Institute and IMDb, and have become a global platform for purpose-driven storytelling. Nicolas Loufrani, CEO of The Smiley Company & Founder of the Smiley Movement, said: “Every year, these awards prove just how powerful storytelling can be when it’s driven by purpose. These films don’t just raise awareness, they inspire action, shift perceptions and ultimately help charities reach the people who need them most. “This year’s winners are a reminder that creativity can be a force for real change, and we’re proud to support the incredible organisations behind them.” Grand Prix Winners (£10,000) Grand Prix - Film of the Year StreetDoctors - The Fatal Question StreetDoctors, a charity working to educate young people on the realities of street violence, has been awarded the top prize for its powerful and confronting film. The short poses a stark question to young people about where it is “safe” to stab, before dismantling the myth through real-life stories and devastating consequences. The film delivers a clear and urgent message about the realities of knife crime and its impact on communities. Grand Prix – People’s Choice RSPCA - Alesha & Roy Featuring singer and television personality Alesha Dixon, the film shines a light on the reality of animal cruelty, capturing the emotional impact of abuse through the story of Roy, a dog rescued by the charity after suffering a violent attack. Contrasting distressing real-life footage with a moving rehabilitation journey, the film highlights both the scale of cruelty cases faced by the RSPCA and the vital work it does to rescue, care for and rehome animals. With reports of animal cruelty rising significantly during the summer months, the campaign struck a chord with audiences, ultimately securing the highest number of public votes and earning the charity the top People’s Choice honour. Corporate Cause Award Winner (£3,000) Royal College of Nursing – This is Nursing This year’s Corporate Cause Award goes to the Royal College of Nursing for a film that captures the realities of modern nursing. Following real nurses, carers and midwives through the highs and lows of their work, the film highlights both the emotional and practical demands of the profession, underlining the importance of support, standards and fair conditions across the sector. Category Winners (£3,000) Selected from more than 500 entries, this year’s 200 finalists spanned a wide range of causes including mental health, homelessness, disability inclusion, youth services, healthcare, animal welfare and international development. Finalists included 155 national charities alongside a strong showing of regional organisations from across the UK, from Bath to Bradford, Cornwall to Kirklees, East London to Edinburgh and across Wales. Internationally, films from India, Palestine, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Uganda further highlight the global reach of the awards. Income-Based Categories ● Under £100,000 Trybe House Theatre - If Home Is Where the Heart Is A poetic and visually striking film exploring the lived experiences of young Black men, highlighting themes of identity, trauma and belonging, and positioning the charity as a vital creative safe space. ● £100,000 – £250,000 Face Equality International – Join the Fight for Face Equality A bold and unexpected campaign film fronted by actor Adam Pearson, challenging perceptions of facial difference and promoting respect and inclusion. ● £250,000 – £500,000 Ruddi’s Retreat – The Christmas Advert A moving portrayal of a family navigating a child’s cancer diagnosis, showing how the charity provides respite and moments of joy during incredibly difficult times. ● £500,000 – £1m Electric Umbrella – It’s Not a Crime to Be Different A vibrant, music-led film celebrating difference while addressing hate crime, created in collaboration with Hertfordshire Constabulary. ● £1m – £2.5m Staffordshire Women’s Aid – Celebrating 50 Years A powerful retrospective marking five decades of supporting survivors of domestic abuse, highlighting both progress and ongoing need. ● £2.5m – £5m Child Bereavement UK – Room for an Elephant A simple but effective animated film tackling the emotional impact of unspoken grief in children. ● £5m – £15m Cornwall Hospice Care – 45 Years A deeply emotional story illustrating the role of hospice care at the end of life and the lasting impact on families. ● £15m – £50m Samaritans – Help Bring Someone’s Future Back A compelling narrative showing the life-saving impact of support for those experiencing suicidal thoughts. ● Over £50m Save the Children UK – Don’t Mention the Children A powerful and thought-provoking film centred on a poem highlighting the human cost of conflict on children worldwide. Longform Categories ● Longform Under £500,000 Climb2Recovery – Climb2Recovery Following veterans on a journey of recovery through climbing, this film captures resilience, camaraderie and healing. ● Longform £500,000 – £5m Rural Media Charity – Breaking Out Boys A candid and engaging exploration of masculinity and youth voices, featuring conversations with Jordan Stephens. ● Longform Over £5m Prior’s Court – The Long Road A deeply personal look at the lives of autistic young people with complex needs, and the transformative support provided by the charity. Special Category ● International Impact WeProtect Global Alliance – Protect Us A hard-hitting film exposing the realities of online exploitation and the risks facing children in the digital age. Alongside the judged category winners, this year’s People’s Choice Awards recognised charities that captured the public’s imagination, with thousands of votes cast across the income-based categories. Winners include organisations such as Billy & Beyond ( Live by Choice not by Chance, Beyond Billy ), OneKind ( Don’t Pet Me ), Shropshire Cat Rescue ( Rudy Reporting on the Importance of Neutering ), Carefree ( Michael’s Story: Change Happens Overnight ), British Hen Welfare Trust ( Celebrating Two Decades of Hen Rehoming ), Kinship ( In the Same Boat ), Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance ( Operation Airbase: Coming to a Town Near You ), Mountbatten Isle of Wight ( The Letter ), The Donkey Sanctuary ( Stolen Donkeys, Stolen Futures ), The Compassionate Friends ( Take That Step ), World Villages for Children ( Irmas: The Life of the Sisters of Mary ), Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust ( Navigating Grief After Sudden and Traumatic Loss ) and Grupo Mulheres do Brasil ( Fios de Encontro – Threads of Connection ), reflecting the breadth of causes and stories that resonated most strongly with audiences. To explore the finalist films or learn more, visit www.smileycharityfilmawards.com .