By Arushi Jacob
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The Media Access Awards, which honor disability representation and authentic filmmaking in media, have officially rebranded as The Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards (the Darcys). The initiative is spearheaded by Easterseals Disability Services and leaders from the disability community, with Film Independent serving as co-producer. Originally founded in 1979 by Norman Lear, the newly named Darcys aims to introduce a modern identity, an expanded mission, and a broader cultural reach with the updated model. Easterseals has created a Disability Advisory Committee, a group of disabled individuals who work in the industry, who will continue to help shape the rebrand. The committee is led by co-chairs Emily Ladau and Nicole Lynn Evans, and includes members Jamie Brewer, Christine Bruno, Lawrence Carter-Long, Ashley Eakin, Danny J. Gomez, CJ Jones, Danny Kurtzman, Lachi, Jim LeBrecht, Sue Ann Pien, and Lolo Spencer. In a statement, Ladau and Evans said, “Inclusion must be a movement, not a moment. The inaugural DARCYS will be a joyful celebration of the disability community’s contributions to the media landscape and a bold call to action for a true disability representation revolution.” Eligibility for the awards includes requirements ensuring that the disability inclusion is “substantive, sustained, and integral to the work being recognized.” Accessibility, including captioning and audio description, will be a key component of the submission and review process. The Darcys will celebrate filmmaking across a wide range of categories, including Best Feature, Best Documentary, Best Performance in a Feature, Best Scripted Series, Best Unscripted Series, Best Performer in a Series, and Best Social Creator. The awards will also include Achievement in Casting Ensemble, the Legacy Award, and the Christopher Reeve Emerging Talent Award. Nominees will be determined by industry committees composed of filmmakers, critics, past Media Access Awards honorees, and representatives from industry guilds and nonprofit organizations. The inaugural Disability Arts & Culture Awards ceremony will take place Oct. 10 at The Historic Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, convening leaders from across entertainment, advocacy, and media for an evening celebrating the most impactful work of the year. Submissions will open June 16 and close July 14. The Darcys will be available to viewers around the world with a live broadcast on YouTube and PBS SoCal, with rebroadcast on local PBS stations nationwide. For more information, visit socal.easterseals.com/darcyawards.
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