The first-ever Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards, dubbed "The Darcys," took place on Saturday, honoring remarkable accomplishments in genuine disability representation within film, television, and media.
Among the distinguished awardees were “The Pitt,” which received accolades for Best Scripted Series and Best Achievement in Casting Ensemble; “Horsegirls,” awarded Best Feature; and Daniel Monks, who earned Best Performance in a Scripted Series for his role in “All Her Fault.”
Nancy Weintraub, chief advancement officer of Easterseals Southern California, expressed pride in continuing a legacy that began in 1979. “The Darcys celebrate authentic voices and talented storytellers who are reshaping the perception and depiction of disability in entertainment and media," she remarked. "Congratulations to this year’s nominees and winners for propelling the industry towards greater inclusivity, both on-screen and behind the scenes.”
The event was hosted by comedian and disability advocate Tina Friml, who presented Geri Jewell with the Legacy Award and Vincent Rutley with the Christopher Reeve Emerging Talent Award. The ceremony also featured a performance by artist and disability culture leader Lachi, held at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
Shawn Davis, co-executive producer of The Darcys and The Film Independent Spirit Awards, stated, “The Darcys represent an exciting new chapter in recognizing artists who promote disability representation. We are honored to collaborate with Easterseals Southern California to celebrate this year’s winners and nominees and the stories that challenge perceptions in film, television, and social media.”
The Darcys will premiere on PBS SoCal Plus on November 17 at 7:30 p.m. and will re-air on November 20 at 8 p.m. It will also be accessible on the PBS app.
Produced in partnership by the executive producers of the Film Independent Spirit Awards, Shawn Davis and Andrew Schaff, along with Eddie Delbridge from Live Digital Entertainment, this year’s winners were chosen by a committee largely comprised of individuals with disabilities.
Below is the complete list of winners:
Best Feature
- Horsegirls
- Director/Writer: Lauren Meyering
- Writer/Producer: Mackenzie Breeden
- Producers: Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Michael Sherman
- Featured Talent: Lillian Carrier, Matthew Schwab
Best Performance in a Feature
- Anna Sargent from Take Me Home
Best Documentary
- The Haunting of Pennhurst
- Directors/Producers: Mike Attie, Katarina Poljak, Nathan R. Stenberg
- Producer: Daniel J. Chalfen
Best Scripted Series
- 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
- Daniel Monks from All Her Fault
Best Unscripted 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, Author
Best Social Creator
- Cassidy Huff (@CassHuff)
