The Pitt led the inaugural winners of the Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards, aka the DARCYS.
Formerly known as the Media Access Awards, the DARCYS were founded to recognize “outstanding achievement in authentic disability representation across film, television and media, honoring the filmmakers, performers, creators and storytellers helping to reshape narratives and advance disability inclusion across entertainment and pop culture.” The 2026 awards were presented Saturday at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica and was hosted by comedian and disability advocate Tina Friml.
The Pitt received two awards: Best Scripted <a href="https://comicvibe.com/jay-z-in-8-how-to-watch-the-finale-of-the-hbo-documentary-series/” title=”'JAŸ-Z in 8': How to Watch The Finale of the HBO Documentary Series”>Series and Best Achievement in Casting Ensemble. Horsegirls, a 2025 film about a cancer-stricken mother and her autistic adult daughter who loves horses, was named Best Feature.
Co-produced by Easterseals Southern California and Film Independent, the DARCYS nominees and winners were chosen by a committee composed of filmmakers, critics, past Media Access Awards honorees, and representatives from industry guilds and nonprofit organizations. A majority of committee members are individuals with disabilities.
Here’s the complete winner’s list:
Horsegirls director-writer: Lauren Meyering; writer-producer: Mackenzie Breeden; producers: Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Michael Sherman; featured talent: Lillian Carrier, Matthew Schwab
The Haunting of Pennhurst directors-producers: Mike Attie, Katarina Poljak, Nathan R. Stenberg; producer: Daniel J. Chalfen
The Pitt creator-executive producer: R. Scott Gemmill; executive producers: Simran Baidwan, Michael Hissrich, Erin Jontow, Joe Sachs, John Wells, Noah Wyle; featured talent: Tal Anderson, Jessica “Limer” Flores, Victoria Mack, Christopher Thornton
Best Performance in a Scripted Series
Renegades creator: Day Al-Mohamed; series producer: Amanda Upson; executive producers: Michael Kantor, Carrie Lozano, Charlotte Mangin
Best Achievement in Casting Ensemble
The Pitt creator-executive producer: R. Scott Gemmill; casting directors: Erica Berger, Cathy Sandrich Gelfond; featured ensemble cast: Tal Anderson, Jessica “Limer” Flores, Diana Elizabeth Jordan, Victoria Mack, Christopher Thornton
Christopher Reeve Emerging Talent Award
Vincent Rutley, actor, disability influencer, and author
