The Hollywood Radio and Television Society (HRTS) and Easterseals Disability Services are partnering for the 2026 Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards, known as the Darcys, to be held October 10 in Santa Monica.
Collaboration Details
Founded in 1979 by producer Norman Lear, the Darcys were previously called the Media Access Awards. HRTS will act as a community partner for the event and co-sponsor the afterparty, which will include the announcement of the HRTS Access Leadership Award. This award will honor an executive or producer whose work in the entertainment industry highlights the business benefits of accessible storytelling. Details on nominations will be released later.
Statements from Key Figures
Tim McNeal, president of the HRTS board, HRTS chair David Madden, HRTS CEO Melissa Grego, and Easterseals’ Southern California chief advancement officer Nancy Weintraub announced the partnership. McNeal stated, “We are honored to extend our long-standing relationship with Easterseals and join forces with them on the newly reimagined Darcys, which stand to take the recognition of disability representation and authentic filmmaking in our industry to the next level.”
Submissions and After-Party
Submissions for the Darcys opened on June 16 and will close on July 14. Weintraub expressed excitement about growing the relationship with HRTS, noting the groundwork laid for a broad cultural moment as the Media Access Awards evolve into the Darcys. HRTS board members JoAnn Alfano, Vivian Cannon, Cliff Decatrel, DJ Nurre, and advisory council member Kelly Goode will co-chair the after-party.
Impact of the Partnership
This partnership is the most ambitious collaboration yet between HRTS and Easterseals, building on past initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility in the entertainment industry and promoting authentic on-screen representation.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/awards/news/hrts-easterseals-darcy-awards-disability-arts-culture-1236784519/
