Winners announced for the 2026 Charity Film Awards
The ninth iteration of the awards awarded more than £100k in prize money.
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. Over the past nine years, the awards have generated more than 400 million film viewings on its website, with over 3 million people tuning into its virtual events and over 3 million people tuning in online globally.
This year’s winners were selected a panel of industry judges, alongside the public, for their ability to deliver powerful messages in innovative and inspiring ways, with films tackling urgent and timely themes including mental health, youth violence, inequality, disability inclusion, grief, conflict and online safety - all with the aim of inspiring real-world change and action.
Nicolas Loufrani, CEO of The Smiley Company and 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)
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.
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
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.
Winners include organisations such as Billy & Beyond (Live by Choice not by Chance, Beyond Billy), Kinship (In the Same Boat), and Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (Navigating Grief After Sudden and Traumatic Loss), reflecting the breadth of causes and stories that resonated most strongly with audiences.