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The inaugural Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards (The Darcys) crowned its first winners on Saturday, celebrating outstanding achievement in authentic disability representation across film, television and media.
Among the winners were “The Pitt” for Best Scripted Series and Best Achievement in Casting Ensemble; “Horsegirls” for Best Feature; and Daniel Monks for Best Performance in a Scripted Series for “All Her Fault.”
“As we celebrate the inaugural year of The Darcys, we are so proud to carry forward a legacy that began in 1979,” said Nancy Weintraub, the chief advancement officer of Easterseals Southern California. “The Darcys recognize the authentic voices and talented storytellers who are changing how disability is seen and represented across entertainment and media. Congratulations to this year’s nominees and winners for helping move the industry forward towards greater inclusion, both on screen and behind the scenes.”
Hosted by comedian and disability advocate Tina Friml, the Darcys awarded Geri Jewell with the Legacy Award and Vincent Rutley with the Christopher Reeve Emerging Talent Award. Artist, songwriter and disability culture leader Lachi performed at the ceremony, which was held at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
“The Darcys mark an exciting new chapter in a legacy of recognizing artists advancing disability representation,” said Shawn Davis, the co-executive producer of The Darcys and The Film Independent Spirit Awards. “We’re proud to partner with Easterseals Southern California to celebrate this year’s winners and nominees, as well as the stories helping broaden perspectives across film, television, and social media.”
The Darcys premiere on PBS SoCal Plus Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. and again Nov. 20 at 8 p.m. The program will also be available to watch on the PBS app.
Co-produced by Film Independent Spirit Awards’ executive producers Shawn Davis and Andrew Schaff, in collaboration with Live Digital Entertainment executive producer Eddie Delbridge, this year’s winners were selected by several committee members, a majority of which are individuals with disabilities.
See the full list of winners below
Best Feature
“Horsegirls”
Director/Writer: Lauren Meyering
Writer/Producer: Mackenzie Breeden
Producers: Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Michael Sherman
Featured Talent: Lillian Carrier, Matthew Schwab
Best Performance in a Feature
Anna Sargent
“Take Me Home”
Best Documentary
“The Haunting of Pennhurst”
Directors/Producers: Mike Attie, Katarina Poljak, Nathan R. Stenberg
Producer: Daniel J. Chalfen
Best Scripted Series
“The Pitt”
Creator/Executive Producer: R. Scott Gemmill
Executive Producers: Simran Baidwan, Michael Hissrich, Erin Jontow, Joe Sachs, John Wells, Noah Wyle
Featured Talent: Tal Anderson, Jessica “Limer” Flores, Victoria Mack, Christopher Thornton
Best Performance in a Scripted Series
Daniel Monks
“All Her Fault”
Best Unscripted Series
“Renegades”
Creator: Day Al-Mohamed
Series Producer: Amanda Upson
Executive Producers: Michael Kantor, Carrie Lozano, Charlotte Mangin
Best Achievement in Casting Ensemble
“The Pitt”
Creator/Executive Producer: R. Scott Gemmill
Casting Directors: Erica Berger, Cathy Sandrich Gelfond
Featured Ensemble Cast: Tal Anderson, Jessica “Limer” Flores, Diana Elizabeth Jordan, Victoria Mack, Christopher Thornton
Christopher Reeve Emerging Talent Award
Vincent Rutley
Actor, Disability Influencer, Author
Best Social Creator
Cassidy Huff
@CassHuff
