ABC ME titles win prestigious awards
Hardball and The Unlisted win at the prestigious Prix Jeunesse International Awards.
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ABC ME titles Hardball and The Unlisted have been awarded at the prestigious Prix Jeunesse International Awards, chosen from a field of 400 children’s programs from 59 countries.
Hardball, which tells the story of fish-out-of-water Mikey and his goal to become the sweetest-bestest-acest hardball champ in Western Sydney, won the Prix Jeunesse for the world’s best children’s fiction program for 7-10-year-olds. Produced by Northern Pictures it was also recognised in the international jury section of the biannual awards, which were voted on by 500 children’s television experts from around the world.
Drama series The Unlisted, about identical teenage twins trying to stop a global conspiracy against children, won the international youth jury prize for the world’s best fiction program for 11-15-year-olds. The series, produced by Aquarius Films for the ABC, was also the runner-up for the main trophy in that category.
Bluey and Little J and Big Cuz were also nominated for Prix Jeunesse awards, which were announced during a virtual ceremony from Munich on 11 June.
ABC Head of Children’s Production Libbie Doherty said the award wins showed how Australia is making its mark across the world for outstanding children’s programs. “Prix Jeunesse celebrates excellence, creative innovation and the wonderment of childhood,” she said.
“The Unlisted and Hardball represent the best of Australian children’s content creation. Congratulations to all the cast, crew and creatives who brought their ‘A Game’ to these productions. To stand alongside the best in the world is a great honour and both of these productions have rightly earned their place on that international stage.”
Hardball
Creators Matt Zeremes and Guy Edmonds. Producer Catherine Nebauer. Produced by Northern Pictures for the ABC in conjunction with the ACTF, Screen Australia and Create NSW.
The Unlisted
Creator & Showrunner Justine Flynn. Producers Polly Staniford and Angie Fielder. Produced for the ABC by Aquarius Films in conjunction with Netflix, Screen Australia and Sinking Ship.