Deadline: Janaury 12, 2026
The Voices Awards 2026 is an international competition dedicated to recognizing creativity, innovation, and impact in journalism, media freedom, and media literacy. The prestigious awards are part of the annual Voices Festival, co-funded by the European Union, which celebrates press freedom and the evolving landscape of journalism worldwide.
About the Voices Awards 2026
The Voices Awards 2026 shine a spotlight on outstanding journalists, media professionals, and organizations that contribute significantly to the defense and promotion of free, independent, and responsible journalism. The awards also emphasize the importance of media literacy and the role of new media technologies in shaping public awareness.
Each year, the Voices Festival gathers professionals, journalists, academics, and media enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond to exchange ideas, celebrate excellence, and discuss emerging trends in media and communication.
Application Deadline
All applications for the Voices Awards 2026 must be submitted by January 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM CET. Late submissions will not be considered.
Awards Ceremony and Festival Dates
The official Voices Festival and Awards Ceremony will take place from March 10 to 12, 2026, in Florence, Italy. The 25 awardees will be honored during the festival in the presence of international media experts, policymakers, and journalists.
Categories for the Voices Awards 2026
The competition features seven main award categories, designed to reflect the diversity and creativity of modern journalism and media literacy initiatives:
- Radio & Podcast Journalism
- Video & Documentary Journalism
- Digital Storytelling & Social Media
- Cartoons
- Photojournalism
- Media Literacy
- Lorenzo Natali Prize – Recognizing outstanding international journalism practices
A total of 25 awardees will be selected across all categories.
Prizes and Benefits
Each winner of the Voices Awards 2026 will receive a €1,200 cash prize, which is intended to help cover travel and accommodation expenses to attend the Voices Festival in Florence.
In addition to the monetary award, winners gain international recognition and the opportunity to network with key players in journalism, media development, and press freedom advocacy.
Eligibility Criteria
Applications are open to a wide range of individuals and organizations working in or related to journalism and media literacy, including:
- Individual journalists (including freelancers and trainees)
- Media organizations (public or private)
- Journalism students
- Individuals or groups involved in media literacy projects
Geographic Eligibility
- Most categories are open to participants legally residing in or established within EU Member States or eligible candidate/potential candidate countries such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine.
- For the Lorenzo Natali Prize, entries from outside the EU27 are also welcome.
Submission Requirements
All submissions must meet the following criteria:
- The work must have been produced within the last 12 months.
- Entries should address topics such as press freedom, media literacy, transparency, accountability, or public interest.
- Submitted work should be publicly accessible, such as published articles, podcasts, videos, or other digital formats.
Why You Should Apply
The Voices Awards 2026 offer more than just recognition — they provide a platform for journalists and media professionals to amplify their voices, share their impact, and connect with peers and leaders across Europe and beyond.
Winning the Voices Awards 2026 can:
- Elevate your professional reputation
- Provide funding and exposure for your journalistic work
- Offer opportunities for collaboration and career advancement
- Connect you to a powerful network of media freedom advocates and institutions
How to Apply
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their entries before the deadline. Ensure your submission aligns with the category requirements and thematic focus of the awards.
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