MIPCOM - The world’s entertainment content market
13-16 October 2025
Palais des Festivals, Cannes

MIPCOM CANNES Diversify TV Awards

The 2024 nominations are now announced! Join the award ceremony on October 24.

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion

Dedicated to championing and promoting diversity and inclusion in all its forms across the international television industry, the 8th edition of MIPCOM CANNES Diversify TV Awards will take place on-stage in Cannes during MIPCOM on Tuesday 22 October 2024!

MIPCOM CANNES Diversify TV Awards aim to bring attention to deserving programmes of diverse and inclusive background, spotlighting authentic new and established voices and recognising positive programming across the year that embraces excellent representation in exemplary shows.

Categories: 

✔ Race and Ethnicity (scripted and unscripted)
✔ Disability (scripted and unscripted)
✔ LGBTQIA+ (scripted and unscripted)
✔ KIDS all genres (pre-school and older children)
✔ Behind-the-Scenes Impact Award

MIPCOM CANNES 2024
Diversify TV Awards Finalists


Representation of Disability - Non-Scripted


Gigantene (The Giants)

Norway

Original Broadcaster: NRK
Distributor: NRK
Production Company: Teddy TV
Short Synopsis: The Giants is a documentary series about Norway’s first national football team for little people. Through a year of training and their first participation in World Dwarf Games, we get a warm and honest look into the life of the players, the challenges they face and all they can achieve.

New Model Agency

United Kingdom

Original Broadcaster: Channel 4
Distributor: All3Media International
Production Company: Salamanda Media
Short Synopsis: High fashion meets high drama as dynamic young models represented by leading inclusive agency Zebedee Talent make their mark in the industry.

The Assembly

United Kingdom

Original Broadcaster: BBC One
Distributor: Can't Stop Media
Production Company: Rockerdale Studios
Short Synopsis: The Assembly sees a cast of thirty-five interviewers who are autistic, neurodivergent or learning disabled, question an A-list celebrity for one extraordinary TV interview. In this half-hour special, it’s multi-award-winning actor and director, Michael Sheen, who is to face the grilling of a lifetime from the unique collective.


Representation of Disability - Scripted


Deaf Voice: A Sign-Language Interpreter in Court

Japan

Original Broadcaster: NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)
Distributor: NHK Enterprises
Production Company(ies): Produced by NHK & KADOKAWA in association with NHK ENTERPRISES
Short Synopsis: Arai Naoto is a CODA, a child of deaf adults. As a sign language interpreter, he takes a court job that prompts him to revisit a 17-year-old murder case – and uncovers a disturbing truth. Past intertwines with present in this riveting crime drama reflecting current social issues.

One Of Us S2
 

France

Original Broadcaster: TF1
Distributor: Federation International
Production Company(ies): Fédération Studios / Habanita Fédération
Short Synopsis: Victoire and her band return to Toulouse-Lautrec high school after a near-closure. Despite Charlie's death, life must get back on track... A life punctuated by care, pain management, learning to live independently, love affairs and the baccalaureate...

The Squeaky Wheel: Canada
 

Canada

Original Broadcaster: AMI-tv
Distributors: Hitsby Entertainment Inc. & Shadow Pine Studios.
Production Company(ies): TSW Productions Inc. & Hitsby Entertainment Inc.
Short Synopsis: The Squeaky Wheel is a sketch comedy series in a half-hour news format, which pokes fun at the ableist society that people with disabilities face every day. Presented by Canada’s top disabled writers and performers, TSW’s irreverent perspective is a clever blend of social commentary and provocative humor that you won’t find anywhere else.


Representation of LGBTQIA+ Non-Scripted


Big Gay Wedding With Tom Allen

United Kingdom

Original Broadcaster: BBC One
Distributor: Banijay Rights
Production Company: Minnow Films
Short Synopsis: 2023 marked the 10th anniversary of same sex marriage being legalised in England and Wales, and March 2024 is exactly a decade since the first wedding took place. To celebrate this, comedian, presenter and writer Tom Allen will arrange a dream wedding for one gay couple.

They and Them

The Netherlands

Original Broadcaster: VPRO
Distributor: Dutch CORE
Production Company: Tangerine Tree
Short Synopsis: What do you as practitioner do with a teen who wants to change gender, but who has trouble assessing the consequences, while the clinic you work at is bursting at the seams? Genderpoli is a captivating portrait of an outpatient clinic where ethical, financial and bureaucratic dilemmas fight for priority.

Y a une étoile (There's a star)

Canada

Original Broadcaster: UNIS TV
Distributor: FilmOption International inc
Production Company: Bellefeuille Production
Short Synopsis: Samuel LeBlanc, a young transgender musician, embarks with his friends on a musical journey through the work of Acadian musician Angèle Arsenault. Does queer Acadia exist?


Representation of LGBTQIA+ Scripted


Cris Miró (She/Her/Hers)

Argentina

Original Broadcasters: TNT & Flow
Distributors: TNT & Flow
Production Company(ies): TNT & Flow
Short Synopsis: In 1995, Cris becomes the first trans vedette of Buenos Aires' Maipo Theater. She embraces her identity as Cris Miró, gaining fame and acceptance in 1990s Argentine society. A stigmatizing health diagnosis, however, leads her to hide her suffering, determined to die as beautifully as she lived.

Fellow Travelers

United States 

Original Broadcaster: Showtime
Distributor: Showtime Networks
Production Company(ies): Blue Days Films, Off Season Productions & Fremantle US
Short Synopsis: Based on the novel by Thomas Mallon, FELLOW TRAVELERS is an epic love story and political thriller, chronicling the volatile romance of two very different men who meet in the shadow of McCarthy-era Washington.

Lost Boys & Fairies

United Kingdom

Original Broadcaster: BBC
Distributor: All3Media International
Production Company: Duck Soup Films
Short Synopsis: Lost Boys & Fairies tells the tender, fictional story of Gabriel, a singer at Cardiff’s queer club 'Neverland,' his partner Andy, and their adoption journey. Gabriel must confront his complex history and embark on self-discovery to parent 7-year-old Jake.


Representation of Race and Ethnicity - Non-Scripted


On The Line: The Richard Williams Story

United States

Original Broadcaster: Sky Documentaries
Distributor: Fremantle
Production Company: Open Stance
Short Synopsis: In ON THE LINE, the father of Venus and Serena Williams retraces his family’s meteoric journey – in his own words. With never-before-seen archive material and in-depth, intimate interviews, this is the real story of one man’s fight – against racism, suppression, and violence – to raise two of the greatest champions in history.

This Is Indian Country-San Diego

United States

Original Broadcaster: FNX
Distributor: ASD
Production Company: Art Of The City Productions
Short Synopsis: "This is Indian Country,' a docu-series immersing viewers in the vibrant tapestry of modern Native American life across bustling cities and tranquil reservations. Meet diverse talents - actors, artists, activists, and more - and discover the rich blend of tradition and modern day lifes of Native America.

White Nanny Black Child

United Kingdom

Original Broadcaster: Channel 5
Distributor: Together Films
Production Company(ies): Doc Hearts Limited & Tigerlily Productions
Short Synopsis: A group of Nigerians fostered by white families in the 70s reveal the heartfelt impact of their challenging upbringing, in a moving and sometimes unsettling meditation on identity, belonging and the nature of family.


Representation of Race and Ethnicity - Scripted


That Cover Girl

Malaysia

Original Broadcaster: Amazon Prime Video
Distributor: Creative Stew
Production Company: Creative Stew
Short Synopsis: A dynamic and ambitious Muslim modest wear fashion designer, Sofi Safwan makes a mark at Paris Fashion Week, only to see her business and reputation threatened by a looming scandal.

Three Little Birds

United Kingdom

Original Broadcasters: ITV & Britbox
Distributor: Banijay Rights
Production Company(ies): Tiger Aspect Productions in association with Douglas Road Productions
Short Synopsis:
 Inspired by Sir Lenny Henry’s mother’s journey to Britain in the late 1950s, Three Little Birds is a life affirming returning drama series exploring untold stories of love, sisterhood, parenting and friendship, and the joys, laughter and struggles of making a new life in the so-called Mother Country.

We Are Lady Parts (Season 2)

United Kingdom

Original Broadcasters: Channel 4 & Peacock
Distributor: NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution
Production Company: Working Title Television, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group
Short Synopsis: We Are Lady Parts is an anarchic and irreverent music comedy following a Muslim female punk band – called Lady Parts. The unapologetically bold, yet thoughtful music comedy revolves around sisterhood, friendship, love and inclusion and claiming your own identity in a world that seems desperate to assign you one.


Representation of Diversity in Kids Programming - Older Children


Beyond Black Beauty

Canada, Belgium

Original Broadcaster: Family Channel
Distributor: Sinking Ship Entertainment
Production Company(ies): Sinking Ship Entertainment, Leif Films & Saga Films
Short Synopsis: Inspired by the beloved novel, Beyond Black Beauty is a multi-generational tale of adversity, humility and love that sees fifteen-year-old equestrian Jolie Dumont discover the power of family when her high-life in Europe is upended for her mother’s childhood home on an urban ranch in Baltimore.

Dream It To Be It

Canada

Original Broadcasters: TVO & Knowledge
Distributors: Lopii Productions & Bomanbridge Media
Production Company: Lopii Productions
Short Synopsis: Kids of all abilities, explore their potential, find their joy, try new things, and learn that their dreams and passions are possible. If you DREAM IT, you can BE IT!

Windcatcher

Australia

Original Broadcaster: Stan
Distributor: Australian Children's Television Foundation
Production Company(ies): Unless Pictures & Every Cloud Productions
Short Synopsis: Ten-year-old Percy Boy Collins and his eclectic crew of friends outsmart a gang of bullies to triumph at their school's athletics carnival, emerging as heroes of their own epic adventure.


Representation of Diversity in Kids Programming - Pre-School


JoJo & Gran Gran, It's Time to Braid Hair

United Kingdom

Original Broadcaster: BBC
Distributor: BBC
Production Company: BBBC Studios, Kids & Family in association with A productions
Short Synopsis: At Charlene’s hair salon, JoJo sees a picture of a girl with hair braids – please can Gran Gran braid her hair? It’s time for a Gran Gran plan with some help from Charlene.

Wordsville

Canada

Original Broadcasters: TVOkids & PBS Thirteen
Distributor: Sinking Ship Entertainment
Production Company: Sinking Ship Entertainment
Short Synopsis: Wordsville is a literacy mystery series for young kids that follows 9-year-old best friends and Word Detectives Gabby and Sly as they solve word mysteries in the kid-run town of Wordsville.

Yukee

Northern Ireland, UK

Original Broadcaster: BBC
Distributor: BBC
Production Company: Score Draw Media for BBC
Short Synopsis: When Yukee recognises that what Sonny has found isn’t a box of broken junk that he thought it was, but actually parts of something really very special, can Yukee and her friends find a way to put all the pieces back together again?


Behind the Scenes Impact Award


Banijay Launch initiative 

Banijay Entertainment for its Banijay Launch initiative: a global accelerator programme that discovers and empowers emerging female creators, pairing them with Banijay Entertainment’s global network of creatives with the aim of helping them develop bold new formats from concept to sale.

MIPCOM CANNES
Diversify TV Awards - Hosts

Femi Oke

MC/Moderator, Moderate The Panel LLC

Nicky Doll 

Performer, singer, TV host, advocate and drag icon

Adam Pearson

Actor, Broadcaster and Disability Advocate

MIPCOM CANNES
Diversify TV Awards Advisory Board Members

All programmes submitted to the MIPCOM Diversify TV Excellence Awards will be short-listed by members of the MIP Markets’ Diversity Advisory Board, comprised of leading professionals committed to diversity and inclusion in the global media landscape. MIPCOM thanks them all for their ongoing support and guidance to this programme.

Bunmi Akintonwa

CEO

Little Black Book Company

Mounia Aram

Founder & President

Mounia Aram Company

Sahar Baghery

Head of Content

Amazon

David Cornwall

Managing Director

Scorpion Television

Mark Garner

Head of Global FAST

A+E Networks

Sallyann Keizer

Managing Director

Sixth Sense Media

David Levine

Founder/Producer

Lightboat Media

Ana Celia Ortiz Urquidi

CEO

Atenea Media

Nick Smith

EVP Formats & Licensing

All3Media International

Deborah Williams

Researcher|EDI Data Futurist| Business Leader

MIPCOM CANNES
Diversify TV Awards Partners

The 8th edition of the MIPCOM CANNES Diversify TV Awards is produced by MIPCOM CANNES with the support of : A+E Media Group, Telefilm Canada & The Canada Media Fund, Webedia and All3Media International.

FOUNDING PARTNER

DIVERSIFY GOLD AWARD PARTNER

DIVERSIFY SILVER AWARD PARTNER

DIVERSIFY SILVER AWARD PARTNER

SUPPORTING PARTNER
 

INDUSTRY ADVOCATES
 

INDUSTRY ADVOCATES
 

INDUSTRY ADVOCATES
 

INDUSTRY ADVOCATES
 

MIPCOM CANNES 2023
Diversify TV Awards Winners


Representation of Disability


Non-Scripted

Inside our Autistic Minds

United Kingdom

Original Broadcaster: BBC Two
Distributor: BBC Studios
Production Company(ies): BBC Studios
Short Synopsis: Chris Packham meets other autistic people from across the UNITED KINGDOM and teams them up with top filmmakers, animators and musicians to help them create short films to reveal to their family and friends what’s really going on inside their minds.
TRAILER: watch here
Password: IO4M!

Scripted

About Antoine

Canada

Original Broadcaster: Club illico, TVA
Distributor: Amuz Distribution
Production Company(ies): ComediHa!
Short Synopsis: About Antoine tells the story of Julie, who starts a new relationship and finds herself drawn into an unconventional family. She soon takes on the role of stepmom to her boyfriend’s two kids, including Antoine—a loveable teenager who happens to be physically disabled, intellectually challenged, autistic, non-verbal and epileptic.
TRAILER: watch here


Representation of LGBTQIA+


Non-Scripted

Lotus Sports Club

Cambodia

Original Broadcaster: TVK National Television of Cambodia
Distributor: Dutch CORE
Production Company(ies): Document Our History Now & RoCK
Short Synopsis: Filmed over five years in Cambodia, Lotus Sports Club is an inspiring coming-of-age story centred on Leak, a teenage trans man who plays football for the Kampong Chhnang women's under-21 team, and Pa Vann, the coach and father figure to Leak and other LGBTQ+ players on the team.
TRAILER: watch here

Scripted

Nights in Tefía

Spain

Original Broadcaster: atresplayer
Distributor: BUENDIA ESTUDIOS CANARIAS
Production Company(ies): BUENDIA ESTUDIOS CANARIAS WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF ATRESMEDIA TV
Short Synopsis: Tefía was a Franco camp to which those convicted by the law of vagranst and thugs were sent, among whom were also homosexuals. To survive that horror, the imagination of one of the prisioners created ‘El Tindaya’, a music hall. A documentary filmmaker’s investigation makes one of the prisioners remember his story.
TRAILER: watch here
Password: TEFIA_VENTAS_a3


Representation of Race and Ethnicity


Non-Scripted

The Swap

Australia

Original Broadcaster: SBS Australia
Distributor: No
Production Company(ies): Southern Pictures
Short Synopsis: In a television first, this original series documents a bold new experiment as 12 students and families — from very different cultures, religions and backgrounds — are thrown into each other’s worlds.
TRAILER: watch here

Scripted

Little Bird

Canada

Original Broadcaster: Bell Media and APTN
Distributor: Fremantle
Production Company(ies): Rezolution Pictures, OP Little Bird
Short Synopsis: Inspired by true events, this compelling six-part series follows the story of Indigenous woman Bezhig Little Bird on a journey to find her birth family, and uncover the hidden truth of her past.
TRAILER:  watch here


Representation of Diversity in Kids Programming 


Pre-School

Reu and Harper's Wonder World

United Kingdom

Original Broadcaster: Channel 5 (UNITED KINGDOM)
Distributor: Channel 5 and Doc Hearts Ltd
Production Company(ies): Doc Hearts Ltd
Short Synopsis: Reu and Harper go on playdates with children from the UK to learn about their families and heritage.  
TRAILER: watch here

Older Children

Phoenix Rise

United Kingdom

Original Broadcaster: BBC iPlayer
Distributor: Sinking Ship
Production Company(ies): BBC Studios Kids & Family
Short Synopsis: Phoenix Rise is a bold new school drama for teenage audiences following a band of six misfit heroes as they take their first tentative steps back into mainstream education.


Behind the Scenes Impact Award


Debora Williams
Chief Executive Officer, Creative Diversity Network, UK

Deborah Williams’ work as a disabled artist has spanned work in front of and behind the scenes, in television, film and theatre and as the architect of influential policies across the wider creative industries; including advising the UN and UNICEF on the rights of disabled people within cultural activities and drawing up the British Film Institute (BFI)’s diversity standards, which have since adopted widely by organisations including BAFTA and AMPAS. As CEO of the UK’s CDN, Williams has led the non-profit broadcaster-funded organisation to support the country’s television industry in promoting, celebrating and sharing best practice around diversity since 2016. 

Your News Hub
Subscribe for Exclusive Updates!

MIPCOM Shownews

Stay informed about MIPCOM special offers, and market updates. 

MIP BLOG Newsletter

Get the latest insights, trends, and breakthroughs in the ever-evolving realm of the TV & Content Industry.