Red Carpet Awards Ceremony and Cash Prizes
Winners of this prestigious competition will be announced by celebrity presenters at the highly anticipated red carpet awards ceremony set to take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Television Academy's North Hollywood campus. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, these annual awards serve as a valuable steppingstone to careers in television. With twenty-two student-produced programs nominated out of 232 entries from 50 colleges and universities nationwide, the competition is fierce. Each winning project will receive a $3,000 cash prize and a trophy.Animation Series
In the Animation Series category, we have some remarkable entries. "Le Charade" from the Savannah College of Art and Design, with Erika Totoro as the Director, Producer, and Writer, showcases unique animation styles. "Student Accomplice" by Brigham Young University, featuring Brielle Hansen as Producer and Spencer Baird as Director and Writer, brings a different perspective. And "Time Flies" from the Savannah College of Art and Design, with Morgan Eng as Producer and Writer and LJ Burnett as Director and Writer, captivates with its storytelling.These animations demonstrate the creativity and imagination of student animators, pushing the boundaries of the medium and leaving a lasting impression.
They show how students are able to bring their visions to life on the screen and create engaging stories through animation.
Comedy Series
The Comedy Series category is filled with humorous and entertaining works. "A Lovely Ending" from Biola University, with Po Yin Sham as Producer, E.F. Broyles as Director and Writer, and Jonny Harmon as Director, offers a unique take on comedy. "Failure to Launch" by the University of Southern California, with Harnish Ambaliya as Producer and Maura Ende as Producer, and Jay Mandyman as Director and Writer, keeps the audience laughing. And "The Hicks Happy Hour" from the American Film Institute, with Cameron Wen as Producer and Michael Kefeyalew as Writer and Kate McCarthy as Director, adds to the comedic charm.The comedies in this category highlight the students' ability to find humor in everyday situations and create light-hearted content that resonates with viewers.
They showcase the talent of these young comedians in crafting funny scripts and delivering them with great comedic timing.
Commercial, PSA or Promo
In the Commercial, PSA or Promo category, we see some powerful and impactful works. "Feel Safe In Your Skin" from Brigham Young University, with Lauren Holt as Director and Writer and Danny White as Director and Writer, along with Riley Rawson as Producer and Todd Jackson as Producer, addresses an important social issue. "Manumalo (Victory) – Nike" by Brigham Young University, with Danny White as Producer and Writer and Alex Galea’i as Producer and Writer, along with Aubry Mackin as Producer and Spencer Nelson as Director and Producer, and Parker McDermott as Producer and Evan Jensen as Producer, makes a bold statement. And "Welcome to the W" from Brigham Young University, with Mia Shumway as Director and Writer and Annie Ebert as Director and Producer and Ben Thornock as Director, grabs attention.These commercials and PSAs demonstrate the students' ability to create effective marketing and social awareness content.
They show how students can use their creativity to convey important messages and make a difference.
Drama Series
The Drama Series category presents some intense and captivating works. "Neither Donkey Nor Horse" from the University of Southern California, with Jesse Aultman as Producer and Writer, Aslan Dalgic as Producer, Chirsten Vandebilt Ellis as Producer, Lilith Mo as Producer, and Zhongyu Wang as Director and Writer, takes the viewers on a emotional journey. "The Circus Monkey" from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with Nathan Krachman as Producer and Travers Tobis as Director and Writer, creates a unique atmosphere. And "Two Breaths" from the University of Southern California, with Kateryna Kurganska as Director, Producer and Writer, leaves a lasting impact.The dramas in this category showcase the students' ability to handle complex emotions and create engaging storylines.
They demonstrate the depth and talent of these student playwrights and directors in bringing drama to life.
News
In the News category, we have some in-depth and informative reports. "Arizona Stories: Border, Water and Politics" from Montclair State University, with Dani Mazariegos as Director, Producer and Writer, along with Izzy Conklin, Grace Keane, Terry Dickerson, Isabella Alvarez, Nino DeNino, Maurice Jenkins, Sean Thrunk, Gloria Perez, Mollie O’Donnell, Grace Gonzales Quispe, Brandon Ehly, Aylin Alvarez Santiago, Michelle Ruiz, and Yazemin Yilmaz as Directors, Producers and Writers, provides a comprehensive look at important issues. "Deadly Shooting On Campus: The Facts. The Failures. The Future." from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with Molly Clinch as Producer, Aaman Patel as Director, Samantha Marles as Producer, Mair Famet as Writer, Kelly Kendall as Writer, Christian Phillips as Writer, Walter Reinke as Writer, Steven Schlink as Writer, Daniel Masterson as Director, Lauryn Lovett as Writer, Kyle Lobenhofer as Director, and Muhsin Mahmud as Writer, sheds light on a serious topic. And "NewsVision" from the University of Miami, with Katelyn Kucharski as Producer and Writer, Maddie Bassalik as Producer and Writer, Finn Wilson as Director, Quinn Davidson as Producer, Simone Werner as Producer and Writer, Darrel Creary as Producer, Wyatt Kopelman as Producer and Writer, Derryl Barnes as Writer, Harvey Duplock as Writer, Regina Potenza as Writer, Andrew Klein as Writer, and Melanie Lowe as Writer, keeps the viewers informed.These news reports show the students' ability to cover important events and present them in a clear and engaging manner.
They highlight the students' research skills and their ability to report on current affairs with accuracy and objectivity.
Nonfiction Series
The Nonfiction Series category offers some thought-provoking works. "A Dream Called Khushi (Happiness)" from New York University, with Rishabh Jain as Director, Producer and Writer, explores important themes. "Culture War" from Ringling College of Art and Design, with Celi Mitidieri as Director, Producer and Writer and Milena Montero as Producer, delves into social issues. And "Shattered Expectations" from New York University, with Crispin Kerr-Dineen as Director, Producer and Writer, presents a unique perspective.These nonfiction series showcase the students' ability to research and present real-life stories with depth and authenticity.
They demonstrate the students' interest in exploring important social and cultural topics and presenting them in a meaningful way.
Sports
In the Sports category, we have some exciting sports-related programs. "SportsDesk" from the University of Miami, with Morgan Champey as Producer, Delanie Haddad as Director and Producer, Taryn Jacobs as Producer, Wrigley Kordt as Writer, Jake Baum as Writer, Andrew Klein as Producer and Writer, Mia Housman as Writer, Derryl Barnes as Producer, Annie Watson as Producer, Billie Brightman as Producer, and Jadyn Cohee as Writer, provides in-depth coverage. "SportsDesk: The Magazine Edition" from the University of Miami, with Morgan Champey as Producer, Delanie Haddad as Director, Taryn Jacobs as Director, Olivia Howell as Producer and Writer, Manny Naccarato as Producer, Ryan Marshall as Producer, Daniel Toll as Producer, Jake Baum as Writer, and Ethan Gany as Writer, adds a different dimension. And the "Syracuse Women’s Basketball vs. Northeastern Pregame Show" from Syracuse University, with Audrey Glynn as Producer, Caleb Jaramillo as Director, and Terence Murphy as Writer, gets the viewers excited for the game.The sports programs in this category showcase the students' passion for sports and their ability to cover them in an engaging way.
They demonstrate the students' skills in producing and presenting sports content that appeals to a wide audience.
Disability Scholarship and Humanitarian Award
The Foundation also named the recipient of the $10,000 Loreen Arbus Focus on Disability Scholarship. The winning piece for 2025 is titled "Lola" by Grace Hanna (director), Duke Yang (writer) and Uloaku Anyiam-Osigme (producer) from the American Film Institute (AFI). "Lola" is a heartwarming dramatic piece about Tessie, a 13-year-old science prodigy who embarks on a daring journey into her grandmother’s (Lola’s) mind to retrieve her precious memories before Alzheimer’s disease erases them forever.This scholarship rewards a student-produced project that best portrays disability issues and helps emerging artists with a disability gain recognition.
It highlights the importance of addressing disability issues and providing opportunities for artists with disabilities.
During the show, the Seymour Bricker Humanitarian Award, a $4,000 cash prize, will also be awarded to a College Television Award project that best highlights a humanitarian concern.In addition, attending student nominees will participate in two days of professional development events with media and industry leaders prior to the awards show and a special screening of their projects for Television Academy members.Tina Perry, chair of the Television Academy Foundation, said, "Each year, the College Television Awards showcases the outstanding work of students from colleges and universities across the nation. The level of creativity, storytelling and production quality in this year’s submissions is a testament to the talent of these emerging content creators and the bright future of television."