Taking place on Thursday, 29 October during FAME Week Africa, the Inclusive Lens Awards recognise stories that challenge stereotypes, broaden perspectives and place authentic lived experiences at the heart of storytelling, says the event.

The 2026 finalists span three areas of representation: Disability Representation, LGBTQIA+ Representation, and Diversity & Inclusion in Kids Programming, across scripted and unscripted film and television.

From a Deaf teenager at the centre of a South African crime thriller and a blind Afrikaaps hip-hop storyteller reclaiming his own narrative, to African history and children hearing globally loved characters speak in African languages, this year's finalists demonstrate the extraordinary range of what inclusive storytelling can look like, adds the event.

"The Inclusive Lens Awards were created because representation matters, but authentic representation matters even more," says Martin Hiller, Portfolio Director of FAME Week Africa. "What excites me about this year's finalists is the sheer range of stories. Inclusion isn't a genre and it shouldn't sit on the margins of our industry. It belongs in thrillers, comedies, documentaries, children's animation, reality television, historical epics and everything in between. These finalists show what happens when we widen the lens and allow different people to be seen as complete, complex human beings."

The 2026 Inclusive Lens Awards Finalists

Diversity & Inclusion in Kids Programming — Pre-School 

The finalists are Bluey — African Language Localisations (United Kingdom), Hadu (Nigeria) and Jabu's Jungle: The Best of Africa! (South Africa). Together, the finalists celebrate the importance of children seeing and hearing Africa reflected in the content they consume, from African languages and everyday family life to local environments, cultures, wildlife and traditions.

Diversity & Inclusion in Kids Programming — Older School

The finalists are Wandi & Kabz (South Africa) and Eyes of Wakanda (USA). Together, the finalists place African history, heritage, identity and possibility at the centre of stories for older children, giving young audiences opportunities to encounter African heroes, cultures and perspectives through imaginative, globally relevant storytelling.

Disability Representation — Non-Scripted Film

The finalists are Amigo the Griot (South Africa), Concerto (South Africa) and Amazina Mbuyaga (Uganda). Together, the films challenge limiting perceptions of disability through deeply personal stories of creativity, artistry, identity and self-expression, placing agency and lived experience at the centre of their narratives.

Disability Representation — Scripted Film

The finalists are ThisAbility (South Africa), Nkanyezi (South Africa) and Melusi (South Africa). Together, the films move disability representation beyond conventional narratives of limitation, exploring autonomy, family, ambition, identity and survival while presenting disabled characters as complex individuals with agency over their own stories.

Disability Representation — Scripted Series

The finalists are Bad Influencer (South Africa), Scandal! (South Africa) and Shaka iLembe — Season 2 (South Africa). Together, the series demonstrate different approaches to disability inclusion, from neurodivergence within family life to authentic disability casting and the inclusion of disabled performers within mainstream contemporary and historical African storytelling.

LGBTQIA+ Representation — Non-Scripted Feature

The finalists are Sonder (South Africa), Queezy Visits the Racers (South Africa) and Eyes To See (South Africa). Together, the documentaries explore  African identity through distinctly different lenses, encompassing Zulu masculinities, spirituality, Indigenous knowledge and the relationship between identity, culture and belonging.

LGBTQIA+ Representation — Scripted Feature

The finalists are Black Burns Fast (South Africa), Khaki Fever (South Africa) and Everything Between Us (South Africa). Together, the films expand representations of life on African screens through stories encompassing love and self-discovery, allowing LGBTQIA+ characters to experience joy, vulnerability, loss and the full complexity of human relationships.

LGBTQIA+ Representation — Non-Scripted Series

The finalists are Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap — Season 2 (South Africa), Pride: The Queer Show (South Africa) and The Way Ngingakhona — Season 5 (South Africa). Together, the series create space for LGBTQIA+ people to share their own experiences, exploring identity, relationships, community, culture and equality while reflecting the richness and diversity of contemporary lives.

LGBTQIA+ Representation — Scripted Series

The finalists are The Morning After (South Africa), Youngins — Season 3 (South Africa) and Blood Legacy (South Africa). Together, the series demonstrate the breadth of LGBTQIA+ representation within mainstream African television, exploring love, identity, friendship, family, culture and belonging while allowing LGBTQIA+ characters to exist as integral parts of larger, layered narratives.

Meet the Judges

Selecting the 2026 winners is a judging panel bringing together lived experience and expertise across acting, filmmaking, broadcasting, production, festivals, localisation, accessibility and advocacy, says the event.

The 2026 Inclusive Lens Awards judging panel comprises of Caleb Swanepoel, James Byrne, Jason Fiddler, Karen Jeynes, Kim Jayde, Lala Tuku, Lawrancia Mqwebu, Louise Callcott-Stevens, Thabile Ngwato, Tarha McKenzie, Tarryn Tomlinson and Tongai Furusa.

EarCandy Partners with the Inclusive Lens Awards

The 2026 Inclusive Lens Awards are sponsored by EarCandy, whose work in localisation, dubbing, subtitling and audio production has helped content reach audiences across languages and cultures.

EarCandy connects the world to African stories in over 30 mother tongue languages from across the continent. "Our dedication to authentic, diverse and inclusive content has earned us this market leadership and aligns us deeply with the Inclusive Lens Award. As proud sponsors, we support a movement that champions communities, projects and individuals creating real impact on and off screen. We are honoured to support FAME Week Africa, the go-to event for African creatives, particularly the Inclusive Lens Award, because it uplifts voices often underrepresented and brings important stories to light.

At EarCandy, we believe in the power of storytelling to create real change by recognising and celebrating the unique experiences of African individuals and communities. Through our work, we strive to ensure these voices receive the recognition and respect they deserve on a global stage," says Louise Callcott-Stevens, CEO of EarCandy.

For more information, visit www.fameweekafrica.com. You can also follow FAME Week Africa on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, or on TikTok.

*Image courtesy of contributor