2019 YMA Awards of Excellence Winners Announced

This year’s Youth Media Alliance awards gala unfolded before an enthusiastic audience on May 29 at the CBC Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto. The evening was hosted by screenwriter and comedian Robby Hoffman (Odd Squad, Workin’ Moms), and directed by Aidan Cosgrave. A video and photo gallery will be available on the YMA website soon.

The 2019 YMA Awards of Excellence winners are:

Best Program, Animation – Preschool

True and the Rainbow Kingdom “The Living Sea” – produced by Guru Studio; aired on CBC

Best Program, Animation – Ages 6-9

Total Dramarama “That’s a Wrap” – produced by Elliott Animation; aired on Cartoon Network and Teletoon

Best Program, Animation – Ages 9+

The Dragon Prince “Bloodthirsty” – produced by Bardel Entertainment, Wonderstorm; streamed on Netflix

Best Interactive Content – Preschool

Cutie Pugs Games – produced by Little Engine Moving Pictures, Sticky Brain Studios, TVOKids, TFO and Radio-Canada

Best Interactive Content – Ages 6-9

CBC Kids Olympics – produced by CBC

Best Interactive Content – Ages 9+

CBC Kids News – produced by CBC

Best Digital First Content – All age groups

Miss Persona Season 2 – produced by Nelvana and Balloon House Productions

Best Program, Live Action Scripted and Non-Scripted, Preschool

Dino Dana “A Dino Never Forgets” – produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment; aired on TVOKids and Amazon

Best Program, Live Action Scripted, Ages 6–9 and 9 +

Odd Squad “There’s No O in Obot” – produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment; aired on TVOKids and PBS

Best Program, Live Action Non-Scripted – Ages 6-9

Raven’s Quest “Madison” – produced by Apartment 11 Productions; aired on TVOKids

Best Program, Live Action Non-Scripted – Ages 9+

The Mystery Files “The Mystery of Nostra Culpa” – by Apartment 11 Productions; aired on TVOKids

Outstanding Youth Performer – Michela Luci

Outstanding Achievement Award: Fred Penner

A gentle man with an undeniable ability to make you feel good about yourself, this musical master brings more than 40 years of commitment, consistency and depth to a career that blends the many genres of performing and communication. Fred continues to grow and create music for his generations of “Fred Heads”.

Emerging Talent Award: Rita-Claire Mike-Murphy

Delighting children as host of Anaana’s Tent — an educational and bilingual preschool series on APTN that teaches Inuktitut, the language spoken by the majority of Inuit in Nunavut, to the next generation of Canadian children — Rita Claire was raised in Pangnirtung, a beautiful community on Baffin Island, Nunavut. In addition to her acting ability, she is a talented musician who performs under the name Riit, showcasing her unique and beautiful voice.

The 2019 Awards of Excellence are made possible by sponsors CBC Kids, DHX Media, Canada Media Fund / MADE, Shaw Rocket Fund, Independent Production Fund, Nelvana, Sinking Ship Entertainment, 9 Story Media Group, APTN, Apartment 11 Productions, the CMPA, Fresh TV, GURU Studio, Landslide Entertainment and marblemedia.