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The NEM Awards will return as part of NEM Zagreb 2026, taking place on December 7–8 at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, with three categories highlighting television projects and series from Europe and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The 2026 edition will continue to recognize original scripted projects through Best Pre-Development TV Series in Europe, which focuses on series in the pre-development stage with international potential, and Best Finished TV Series in CEE, celebrating completed scripted productions from the region.

This year, the awards introduce a third category, Pitch & Play Live!, dedicated to original unscripted format concepts from the CEE region with international potential. The new competition will add a live pitching element, giving creators the opportunity to present their ideas to an international industry audience and jury. Eligible Pitch & Play Live! projects must be original unscripted format concepts created between May 2025 and May 2026. Entries will be assessed by a five-member international selection committee based on three criteria: Originality, Universality and Internationality. The three highest-scoring projects will advance to the Pitch & Play Live! final at NEM Zagreb 2026, where their creators will pitch their concepts live before a professional audience and industry jury.

Submissions for the NEM Awards are currently open. Entries for Best Pre-Development TV Series in Europe and Best Finished TV Series in CEE close on November 11, while Pitch & Play Live! submissions close on October 23.