The 2026 Humanitas Prize winners were announced Wednesday, headlined by episodes from Apple TV+’s “Shrinking,” Disney+’s “Paradise,” and HBO’s “Washington Black.” The awards ceremony, known as the Humanitas Prize Awards Show & Toast, took place at Avalon Hollywood and was hosted by actor, writer, and comedian Ashley Nicole Black.
Among the top teleplay honors, “Shrinking” Season 3 premiere “My Bad” won in the Comedy category. The episode notably expanded its narrative around Parkinson’s disease with a guest appearance by Michael J. Fox. In the Drama Teleplay category, “Paradise” Season 2 premiere “Graceland” took home the award for its post-apocalyptic survival story featuring Shailene Woodley. The Limited Series Teleplay prize went to “Washington Black” for the episode “The Flying Man and the Musician,” written by Selwyn Hinds.
The Humanitas Prize recognizes television and film writers whose work explores the human condition with nuance and depth. Winners receive both a trophy and a cash prize.
Beyond the competitive categories, “Wicked” screenwriter and “My So-Called Life” creator Winnie Holzman received the Kieser Award. The honor, presented by “Thirtysomething” executives Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick—who previously collaborated with Holzman—celebrates individuals who dedicate their resources and talent to creating transformative stories that highlight shared humanity. Past recipients include Greg Berlanti, Marta Kauffman, John Ridley, and Bill Moyers.
The event also recognized emerging talent in the industry. Humanitas announced its 2026-27 New Voices Fellows: Christina Ingraldi, Leon Lee, Alana Saab, Finn Wagstaff, and Keith Walker. These early-career writers will participate in a six-month mentorship program, receive one-on-one guidance, and earn a $7,500 stipend.
Additionally, the College Screenwriting Awards were presented to Omid Iranikhah, who won the David and Lynn Angell College Comedy Award, and Lauryn Bedford, who received the Carol Mendelsohn College Drama Award. Each winner was awarded a $20,000 cash prize and a script consultation with a professional writer. Humanitas alumni Lauren Goodman and Hayley Tibbenham presented the artist development awards.
Rae Benjamin was honored with the Starz #TakeTheLead Award by Russell T Davies. Benjamin was selected for exemplifying a commitment to amplifying narratives by and for women and underrepresented audiences. As part of the award, she will receive a $10,000 stipend and mentorship from Starz executives.
The complete list of 2026 Humanitas Prize winners includes:
Drama Teleplay: “Paradise” (“Graceland”) – Dan Fogelman, Eric Wen
Comedy Teleplay: “Shrinking” (“My Bad”) – Brian Gallivan
Limited Series Teleplay: “Washington Black” (“The Flying Man & the Musician”) – Selwyn Hinds
Children’s Teleplay: “Tab Time” (“When We Lose Someone”) – Sean Presant
Drama Feature: “All That’s Left of You” – Cherien Dabis
Comedy Feature: “Rental Family” – Hikari, Stephen Blahut
Family Feature: “Grow” – Nick Güthe, Christos N. Gage, Ruth Fletcher Gage
Short Film: “Vital” – Amir Zargara, Gabe Berry
Documentary Feature: “The Tale of Silyan” – Tamara Kotevska
Documentary Docuseries: “Katrina: Come Hell and High Water” (“Shelter of Last Resort”) – Samantha Knowles
It is refreshing to see Ashley Nicole Black hosting. She brought the perfect balance of humor and respect to the event.
The $7,500 stipend for New Voices Fellows is a start, but writers need sustained support, not just short mentorships.
Wait, I’ve never heard of Washington Black. Can someone explain why this HBO limited series beat out the big contenders?
Michael J. Fox appearing in Shrinking? That was genuinely moving. Great choice for the comedy category this year.
Shailene Woodley deserved that win. The post-apocalyptic themes in Paradise were handled with such rare depth.