The History of the Awards of Excellence

The Youth Media Alliance (YMA) Awards of Excellence trace their origins back to October 1978, during the closing banquet of the Institute of Radio and Television for Children (IRTE), the original name of the YMA. It was during this event that excellence in Canadian children’s programming was recognized for the first time.

To mark the occasion, an original trophy was created by artist Denise D’Avignon of Richmond, Québec. The piece consisted of an enameled copper version of the IRTE logo depicting a mother and her chick — an image symbolizing care, transmission, and learning.

At the time, the awards were presented across both official languages. Among the first recipients were the productions Mr. Dressup, Kidstuff, Nic & Pic, Les boucaniers d’eau douce, and Homemade Television. These early honourees already reflected the creativity and vitality of Canada’s children’s media sector.

Beginning in 1980, in order to better reflect Canada’s linguistic duality and highlight productions in each official language, the awards began alternating annually: one year recognizing French-language productions and the following year recognizing English-language productions.

The Awards of Excellence Today

Today, the YMA Awards of Excellence represent one of the most important recognitions in the Canadian children’s media industry. For more than 50 years, the YMA has championed the importance of high-quality television and digital content for Canadian children and youth.

Each year, the Awards of Excellence Gala takes place in May and brings together more than 200 industry professionals — creators, producers, broadcasters, artists, and craftspeople — to celebrate the talent, creativity, and dedication of those who help Canadian youth media shine both nationally and internationally.

Between 16 and 20 trophies are presented annually across a range of categories reflecting the evolution of formats and platforms. Since 2023, the Awards of Excellence recognize achievements in categories including:

Best Program

• Best Program, Live Action Scripted (Preschool, Ages 3–5)
• Best Program, Live Action Scripted (Ages 6–9)
• Best Program, Live Action Scripted (Ages 9+)
• Best Program, Live Action Non-Scripted (Preschool, Ages 3–5)
• Best Program, Live Action Non-Scripted (Ages 6–9)
• Best Program, Live Action Non-Scripted (Ages 9+)
• Best Program, Animation (Preschool, Ages 3–5)
• Best Program, Animation (Ages 6–9)
• Best Program, Animation (Ages 9+)

Other Production Categories

• Best Short Form Content (Preschool, Ages 3–5)
• Best Short Form Content (Ages 6–9)
• Best Short Form Content (Ages 9+)
• Best Podcast
• Best Gaming or Interactive Experience
• Best Feature Film
• Best One-Off Special
• Best Host(s) or On-Air Personality of the Year

Special Awards

• Outstanding Youth Performer
• Outstanding Youth Ensemble
• Outstanding Achievement Award
• Emerging Talent Award
• Grand Prize

These distinctions highlight the richness of Canada’s creative ecosystem and the ability of the industry to evolve within a constantly changing media landscape.

The Trophy

The trophy awarded today is an original work created by Québec artist Marie-Josée Roy. The sculpture, cast in aluminum, represents a child with a wing.

Through this piece, the artist sought to capture childhood in all its beauty — a time defined by lightness, spontaneity, and wonder. The wing symbolizes the flight of imagination and creative freedom, while the movement of the sculpture evokes a gentle motion that soothes and inspires.