Mārama, AKI, and More Among imagineNATIVE’s 2026 Top Winners

The 2026 imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival recognized Indigenous filmmakers, artists, storytellers, and digital creators from around the world during its annual Awards Presentation on June 6 at the TIFF Lightbox in Toronto.

Hosted by comedian Vance Banzo (Saulteaux/Cree), the ceremony awarded $75,500 in cash prizes across 17 categories celebrating Indigenous excellence in film, audio, and digital media. Tuscarora WoodWorks created award medallions, while Two Hearts Beadwork designed the event’s lanyards.

Festival juries selected recipients across the Moon, Sun, Water, and Land categories, while attendees voted for the Audience Choice Awards. The celebration also included a special recognition for Métis filmmaker, actor, writer, and producer Gail Maurice, who received the August Schellenberg Award of Excellence, also known as the Augie Award.

Maurice has earned acclaim both in front of and behind the camera. She received Canadian Screen Award nominations for her performances in the TV show Trickster and the movie Night Raiders. Her directorial debut feature, Rosie, was named one of the Toronto International Film Festival’s Top Ten films of 2022 and previously won imagineNATIVE’s Audience Choice Feature Film Award.

The Augie Award is given in partnership with Joan Karasevich Schellenberg to honor the legacy of acclaimed Indigenous actor August Schellenberg. The award is supported by ACTRA National and individual donors.

The festival’s in-person programming came to a close on June 7, however, online screenings continue through June 14, allowing audiences worldwide to watch many of the films featured in this year’s official selection, including several award-winning projects.

2026 imagineNATIVE Award Winners

Moon Jury Award

Mangittatuarjuk (The Gnawer of Rocks)

Louise Flaherty

Indigenous Language Production Award

Shaaghan Neekwaii (Two Old Women)

Princess Daazhraii Johnson

After Dark Award

Klee

Gavin Baird

Live Action Short Award

Jülapüin Yonna (The Dream of Dance)

Luzbeidy Monterrosa Atencio

Dramatic Feature Award

Mārama

Taratoa Stappard

Outstanding Performance in a Feature

Mārama

Ariāna Osborne

Outstanding Performance in a Short

Gaza Bride 17

Saleh Bakri

Sun Jury Award

AKI

Darlene Naponse

New Voice in Storytelling Award

Are You Native?

Victoria Cheyenne

Documentary Short Award

IXIM (el amor no tiene género)

Alex PV

Documentary Feature Award

Aanikoobijigan [ancestor/great-grandparent/great-grandchild]

Adam Khalil and Zack Khalil

Innovation in Storytelling Award

WAT WAS HIE?

Luke De Kock

Animated Short Award

I Duok om I Bohuntung – The Owl and the Rainbow

Jo Luping

New Artist in Digital + Interactive Award

Kinship Table, la taab di li vwaazayn

Robyn Adams

Digital + Interactive Award

Toroa: Skycall

Atawhai Interactive

Experimental Audio Award

Radiant Starlets (Original Soundtrack) | DR3AM ON

Alexander Jeffrey Walker

Narrative Audio Award

Words and Culture | It Takes a Village

Kim Wheeler

The recipients of this year’s awards highlight the talent and innovation found throughout Indigenous media today. Across film, digital experiences, and audio storytelling, these creators are sharing stories that connect communities, challenge audiences, and expand the possibilities of Indigenous art.