2025 Humanitas Prize Nominations Announced: Celebrating Excellence in Storytelling Across Film and TV
The 2025 Humanitas Prize nominations have been revealed, once again honoring television and film writers who masterfully explore the depth of the human experience. This year’s awards ceremony will take place on September 7 in Hollywood, hosted by actress and comedian Fortune Feimster (known for Fubar and Zootopia 2).
On the TV side, notable drama nominees include Emmy contenders such as The Pitt, The Last of Us, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Brilliant Minds. In the comedy category, nominees feature The Studio, The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh, A Man on the Inside, and Clean Slate. Limited series recognized include Dying for Sex, Interior Chinatown, Lockerbie: A Search for Truth, and Say Nothing.
In the film categories, last year’s Oscar contenders Conclave, Nickel Boys, and Sing Sing compete for Best Drama Feature. Comedic entries include Dìdi (弟弟), My Old Ass, and A Real Pain. Family-friendly films like Inside Out 2, Out of My Mind, and The Wild Robot are nominated for Best Family Feature.
A highlight of the evening is the Voice for Change Award, bestowed this year on Emmy winner Lena Waithe. She will be presented the award by acclaimed filmmakers Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King) and Mara Brock Akil (Forever). This award honors creators who have championed visionary and courageous storytelling.
Founded in 1974, the Humanitas organization has awarded over 450 prizes with a mission to honor and empower writers exploring the human condition in film and television. Executive director Michelle Franke expressed excitement about this year’s inspiring nominees.
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In a historic move, the 2025 prizes introduce two separate documentary categories: one for feature documentaries and another for individual episodes in docuseries. Overall, the awards will cover 10 competitive categories, including Drama Teleplay, Comedy Teleplay, Limited Series Teleplay, Children’s Teleplay, and three feature film categories.
The ceremony will also celebrate emerging talent through the New Voices Fellowship, a mentorship program connecting early-career writers with industry leaders. Additional honors include the David and Lynn Angell College Comedy Award and the Carol Mendelsohn College Drama Award, both offering $20,000 prizes, mentorship, and professional feedback.
The Starz #TakeTheLead award returns, spotlighting writers from the Humanitas Fellowship or College Screenwriting Award programs who are committed to improving representation in storytelling.
