The NEM Awards is returning in December as part of NEM Zagreb 2026, with two established categories -Best Pre-Development TV Series in Europe and Best Finished TV Series in CEE-, and a third new one, Pitch & Play Live!.
NEM Awards 2026 will once again celebrate outstanding television projects and series through two established categories; Best Pre-Development TV Series in Europe and Best Finished TV Series in CEE, while this year’s edition introduces Pitch & Play Live! as a new third category, spotlighting original unscripted formats from the CEE region with international potential.
The NEM Awards is returning as part of NEM Zagreb 2026, taking place on 7–8 December at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, bringing together television professionals from across Europe and the CEE region.
Three categories celebrating TV creativity from Europe and CEE
Best Pre-Development TV Series in Europe celebrates original scripted series still in the pre-development stage, with strong creative ideas that have the potential to stand out on the international market. It gives creators and producers the chance to put their project in front of an international industry audience and connect with the partners, decision-makers and buyers who can take it further.
Best Finished TV Series in CEE turns the spotlight to completed scripted series from Central and Eastern Europe, recognizing productions that combine creative excellence with real potential to reach audiences beyond their home markets. By bringing these finished series into the international arena, the category showcases the strength and diversity of CEE television production and the talent driving it.
The third category, Pitch & Play Live! focuses on original unscripted format concepts from the CEE region with strong international potential. As part of the NEM Awards, it brings a live pitching element to the competition, giving creators the opportunity to present their ideas directly to an international industry audience and jury.
Together, the three categories reflect different stages and forms of television creativity – from original scripted ideas in development and completed series ready for international audiences, to fresh unscripted concepts with the potential to travel beyond the CEE region.
Pitch & Play Live! – the third NEM Awards category
Pitch & Play Live! is a live format pitching competition for original unscripted concepts created in the CEE region, with a focus on ideas that have strong international potential.
Original unscripted format concepts created between May 2025 and May 2026 are eligible to participate. Entries will be evaluated by a five-member international selection committee according to three key criteria: Originality, Universality and Internationality.
The three highest-scoring entries will qualify for the Pitch & Play Live! final at NEM Zagreb 2026, where their creators will pitch their concepts live in front of a professional audience and a distinguished industry jury.
Submissions for the NEM Awards categories are currently open, with entries for Best Pre-Development TV Series in Europe and Best Finished TV Series in CEE closing on 11 November, while submissions for PITCH & PLAY LIVE! close on 23 October.
More information about NEM Zagreb 2026 is available on the official website.
