The NEM Awards will return as part of NEM Zagreb 2026 with a new category dedicated to original unscripted formats from Central and Eastern Europe. Taking place on 7–8 December at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, the event will once again spotlight television projects and series with international potential.
The 2026 edition will feature three categories: Best Pre-Development TV Series in Europe, Best Finished TV Series in CEE, and the newly introduced Pitch & Play Live!
NEM Awards 2026 Expands with Pitch & Play Live!
The new Pitch & Play Live! category will focus on original unscripted format concepts created in the CEE region between May 2025 and May 2026. An international five-member selection committee will assess entries based on originality, universality, and international potential.
The three highest-scoring concepts will advance to the Pitch & Play Live! final at NEM Zagreb 2026, where their creators will pitch their formats live to an industry audience and jury.
The other two NEM Awards categories will continue to recognize scripted television projects at different stages of production. Best Pre-Development TV Series in Europe is open to original scripted projects in the pre-development stage, while Best Finished TV Series in CEE recognizes completed scripted series from Central and Eastern Europe.
Submissions for Best Pre-Development TV Series in Europe and Best Finished TV Series in CEE are open until 11 November, while Pitch & Play Live! entries close on 23 October. More information about NEM Zagreb 2026 and the NEM Awards is available on the official website.
