BYU Students Dominate College Television Awards with Impressive Achievements
Brigham Young University (BYU) students have once again proven their excellence in the world of student-produced media, sweeping the nominations at the Television Academy Foundation's 45th College Television Awards. With 17 nominations, BYU secured the title for the most nominations from a single university in 2026, according to the Television Academy Foundation. This remarkable feat showcases the university's commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in its students.
The College Television Awards, often dubbed the 'student Emmys', recognize 'excellence, imagination, and innovation' in student-produced projects from across the country. The nominations and winners are chosen by Television Academy members from over 185 entries this year. BYU's dominance in the commercial, PSA, or promo category is particularly noteworthy, as they clinched all three nominations, ensuring a sure win for the university.
Mia Shumway, a recent BYU graduate, played a pivotal role in two of the nominated projects. Her work highlights the university's strong emphasis on fostering creativity and providing students with opportunities to gain real-world experience. Shumway's first nominated project, 'Ink Up. Wash Out.', is a humorous Crayola ad produced by Eli Rothas and directed by Kyle Gilmour. The ad, which sat in her files for a year before finding the 'perfect teammates' to bring it to life, showcases the university's commitment to nurturing talent and providing a supportive environment for students to thrive.
The second nominated project, 'Never Leave Home', is a heartwarming advertisement for U-Haul. It follows a family of ducks who are nervous about migrating but realize they don't have to worry about leaving all of their things behind. Shumway is grateful for the director, Joseph Larsen, and producers Carly Garrett, Abe Tullis, and Jeff Yi, who helped bring the ad to life. The project's success is a testament to the university's ability to foster collaboration and teamwork among its students.
The final nominated ad from BYU, 'Gap: Wear With Care', is a poignant reminder that the way we speak to ourselves can have a generational impact. Made by director Porter Christensen, writer Maren Edwards, and producers Jill Jackson and Taylor Slade, the ad is a shining example of the university's commitment to producing impactful and meaningful content.
BYU's success in the College Television Awards is not just a testament to the university's commitment to fostering creativity and innovation, but also to the dedication of its professors. Advertising professor Jeff Sheets said it has been so fulfilling to see his students being recognized for their exceptional work. The students come into the program with a drive, determined to cultivate their craft, and Sheets is always amazed by the creativity, intelligence, and hard work he sees from them.
The university's commitment to providing students with opportunities to create and gain real-world experience is evident in the success of its animation students, Jaysen Duckworth and Connor Van Dyke, who were nominated for their film 'Love & Gold'. The film, about two thieves who enter the same dungeon searching for a precious gem, is a testament to the university's ability to nurture talent and provide a supportive environment for students to thrive.
In conclusion, BYU's dominance in the College Television Awards is a shining example of the university's commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration among its students. With 17 nominations, BYU has once again proven its excellence in the world of student-produced media, and its students are poised to make a significant impact in the industry.
