Key Facts
- ✓ The Banff World Media Festival has announced the members of its 2026 Rockie Awards Grand Jury.
- ✓ Executives from Netflix, Sony Pictures Television, and Roku Media will serve as judges for the upcoming awards.
- ✓ The jury is tasked with selecting winners from a pool of competing television series from the United States and other countries.
- ✓ The Rockie Awards are a central component of the annual entertainment industry retreat held in the Canadian Rockies.
- ✓ This event provides a prestigious platform for winning series to gain recognition from top industry leaders.
Quick Summary
The Banff World Media Festival has officially announced the lineup for its 2026 Rockie Awards Grand Jury, bringing together top-tier industry leaders to judge the year's most compelling television content.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, this prestigious event will see executives from major streaming and production powerhouses evaluate a diverse slate of series from around the globe.
The 2026 Grand Jury
The festival has assembled a formidable panel of decision-makers from three of the industry's most influential companies. These executives will be responsible for determining the winners across various categories at the upcoming awards ceremony.
The jury represents a cross-section of the global entertainment landscape, combining the creative and commercial perspectives of:
- Netflix - The streaming giant known for its vast international library
- Sony Pictures Television - A legacy studio with a diverse production portfolio
- Roku Media - A growing force in the streaming and content distribution space
This selection of judges underscores the festival's commitment to recognizing excellence across both traditional and emerging media platforms.
"The jury will select winners from among U.S. and international series at the annual Canadian Rockies entertainment industry retreat."
— Banff World Media Festival Announcement
A Global Stage
The Rockie Awards are a central feature of the annual Banff World Media Festival, an event that has long served as a critical networking and deal-making hub for the entertainment industry. The festival's location in the Canadian Rockies provides a unique, retreat-like atmosphere for industry professionals.
For the 2026 edition, the Grand Jury's mandate is to evaluate and select winners from a competitive field of television series. The scope of the competition is notably broad, encompassing productions from both the United States and the international market.
The jury will select winners from among U.S. and international series at the annual Canadian Rockies entertainment industry retreat.
This global focus highlights the festival's role in bridging North American and international television markets, offering a platform for diverse storytelling to gain recognition.
Industry Impact
The announcement of the Grand Jury signals the beginning of the final evaluation phase for the 2026 Rockie Awards. The involvement of executives from Netflix, Sony Pictures Television, and Roku Media lends significant prestige to the judging process.
Winners selected by this jury will receive a powerful endorsement from leaders at the forefront of content acquisition, production, and distribution. This recognition can be pivotal for series seeking wider audiences, international distribution deals, or critical acclaim.
The festival itself serves as a vital meeting point for creators, distributors, and financiers. The Rockie Awards ceremony is a key event within this larger gathering, celebrating the best in television and providing a high-profile stage for winning projects.
What to Expect
As the 2026 Banff World Media Festival approaches, anticipation builds for the announcement of the full competition slate and the eventual awards ceremony. The Grand Jury's deliberations will culminate in the presentation of the Rockie Awards, honoring the selected series.
The event is expected to draw hundreds of industry professionals to the Canadian Rockies for a week of panels, workshops, and networking opportunities. The awards ceremony will be the highlight of the festival, celebrating the creative achievements that have defined the television landscape over the past year.
For the nominated series, the festival offers more than just an award; it provides invaluable exposure to a global audience of industry peers and potential partners.
Looking Ahead
The unveiling of the 2026 Rockie Awards Grand Jury marks a significant milestone in the lead-up to one of the entertainment industry's most anticipated annual events. With a jury comprised of leaders from Netflix, Sony Pictures Television, and Roku Media, the awards are poised to reflect the current dynamics of the global television market.
The festival's unique setting in the Canadian Rockies continues to offer a distinguished platform for celebrating television excellence. As the industry evolves, the Banff World Media Festival and its Rockie Awards remain a cornerstone event for recognizing the stories and creators that captivate audiences worldwide.
