LONDON, UK. March 4th, 2026 – More than 200 charities have been shortlisted for the 2026 Smiley Charity Film Awards, powered by Smiley Movement, competing for a share of over £100,000 in prize funding – and now the public decides who wins.
Returning for its ninth year, the awards invite audiences across the UK to watch powerful charity films and cast a vote in just 60 seconds, helping turn filmmaking into vital funding.
Selected from over 500 entries, this year’s 200 finalists represent causes ranging from mental health and homelessness to animal welfare, disability inclusion, youth services, health and international development.
The finalists consist of 155 national charities alongside an extraordinary wave of regional charities spanning Bath to Bradford, Cornwall to Kirklees, East London to Edinburgh and across Wales and the wider UK. Further afield, this year’s finalists also include powerful stories from India, Palestine, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Uganda, making the Smiley Charity Film Awards a truly global celebration of the impact these films create.
Many films feature appearances from well-known supporters including Brad Pitt, Annie Lennox, Zawe Ashton, Stephen Graham, Hugh Bonneville, Laura Whitmore, Vanessa Redgrave, Poppy Delevingne, Dawn O’Porter, Alesha Dixon, Jordan Stephens, Kate Humble, Natalie Emmanuel and Nadia Sawalha amplifying stories that drive real-world change.
For the first time, voters of the awards will have the chance to win a donation to their favourite charity. There is a £101,000 total prize fund, including £10,000 Film of the Year, £10,000 People’s Choice Grand Prix, £3,000 per category winner and £3,000 Corporate Cause Award alongside dedicated support for smaller charities, grouped by turnover.
Nicolas Loufrani, Founder of Smiley Movement said: “The Smiley Charity Film Awards exist to prove that charity film storytelling is extremely powerful. A single film can change perceptions, shift behaviour and inspire action. With charity funding under continued pressure, the awards transform film views into vital funding for frontline causes. In a digital world flooded with content, authentic stories that move people matter more than ever.”
Public voting closes on 23 April, with winners announced on 29 April. To watch the finalist films and cast a vote, visit smileycharityfilmawards.com/finalists.
ENDS