NYC Web Fest has officially unveiled its jury for the 2026 edition, marking another milestone moment for the long-running festival as it continues to champion independent digital storytelling on a global scale.
Set to return from November 13 to 15 in New York City, the 13th annual NYC Web Fest will once again bring together creators from across the world, with submissions now open through July 31. Since its launch in 2014 by Lauren Atkins, the festival has steadily evolved beyond its original focus on web series, now encompassing TV pilots, short films, micro-episodes, and podcasts.
That expansion proved particularly impactful in 2025, when the festival hosted the premiere of Eavesdropper, an Audible series from the creators of Law & Order starring Matt Dillon. Reflecting on the milestone, Lauren Atkins said, “I’m always so honored by the amount of creatives who share their work with us. But even I was awestruck when I realized the team behind Law & Order chose to submit their brilliant series with us on the first year we opened for audio programming. I later heard from Wolf Entertainment that we were the only festival they were a part of last year.”
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A Jury Built on Experience and Global Reach
For 2026, NYC Web Fest has assembled a jury panel that blends industry experience with festival history. Notably, six of the seven jurors are alumni who have previously been recognised at the event, reinforcing the festival’s long-standing creative network.
Lauren Atkins described the announcement as “such a full circle moment,” adding, “We have over a decade of relationships with filmmakers from around the world, and this year is a fantastic global representation of our near-13-year history. We’re releasing the jury news earlier than usual this year, and we’ll have more partner info soon!”
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The 2026 jury includes:
Sean Anthony Baker
Sean Anthony Baker is a multi-talented performer whose career spans television, film, theatre, and music. A native of the Bronx, he has built a reputation for his versatility, taking on roles that highlight both dramatic intensity and emotional nuance. His television work includes appearances in major series such as SWAGGER, The Rookie, Grey’s Anatomy, FBI, The Lincoln Lawyer, and Chicago Med, where he has consistently delivered grounded and authentic performances.
On the big screen, Sean Anthony Baker has appeared in projects including All Eyez on Me and Shaft, further demonstrating his ability to transition seamlessly between mediums. His stage work has also been a significant part of his career, with acclaimed performances in productions such as A Raisin in the Sun. Alongside acting, he is also an accomplished singer, songwriter, and producer, reinforcing his position as a well-rounded creative within the entertainment industry.
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Bambadjan Bamba
Bambadjan Bamba is an award-winning actor, filmmaker, and activist whose work spans both mainstream entertainment and socially driven storytelling. He is widely recognised for his roles in major productions such as Black Panther, Suicide Squad, and television series including The Good Place and Grey’s Anatomy. His performances often reflect a commitment to authenticity, bringing layered perspectives to a wide range of characters.
Beyond acting, Bambadjan Bamba has established himself as a filmmaker, creating projects such as the short film PAPA and the web series Consequences. He has also written articles published in Variety, The Washington Post, NBC, and CNN, and contributed to the New York Times bestseller American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures by award-winning actress America Ferrera. His work often draws on his own experiences as a first-generation immigrant, offering narratives that explore identity, culture, and belonging. In addition to his creative output, he is a prominent advocate for immigrant rights, using his platform to raise awareness and contribute to public discourse through writing and speaking engagements.
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Jessie Behan
Jessie Behan brings a unique blend of business expertise and creative experience to the NYC Web Fest jury. As Partner and President of Aux Mode, she plays a key role in shaping digital media strategies, working closely with creators and entertainment professionals to optimise content across platforms, particularly on YouTube. Her work focuses on building sustainable growth and expanding digital reach in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
Alongside her executive role, Jessie Behan has maintained an active presence in the creative space as an actor, voice artist, and producer. Her background includes performing in sketch comedy, developing original content, and working across both stage and screen. This dual perspective—understanding both the creative and commercial sides of the industry—positions her as a valuable voice in evaluating digital storytelling projects.
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Sally McLean
Sally McLean is an award-winning creative whose career spans acting, directing, writing, and producing across multiple continents. With experience in Australia, the UK, and the US, she has developed a diverse body of work across film, television, and theatre. Her screen credits include projects such as the BAFTA-winning series Bootleg, alongside roles in Utopia and Preacher.
She is perhaps best known as the creator of the digital series Shakespeare Republic, which has achieved international recognition, screening at over 100 festivals and earning numerous awards. In addition to her on-screen work, Sally McLean has a strong background in theatre, particularly in Shakespearean performance, and continues to develop new projects while also contributing to the industry through teaching and public speaking.
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Britt Migs
Britt Migs is a comedian and producer who has steadily gained recognition within the comedy circuit. Performing across both stand-up and sketch formats, she has appeared at major festivals including SXSW, Edinburgh Fringe, and SF Sketchfest, showcasing her sharp comedic voice to diverse audiences. Her work has also extended to television, with appearances on Comics Unleashed.
In addition to her on-stage work, Britt Migs is an Emmy Award-winning producer in the television and digital space, balancing performance with behind-the-scenes creative development. Her ability to navigate both roles highlights a broad understanding of content creation, from concept through to execution, making her a well-rounded contributor to the festival’s jury.
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Jon Sosis
Jon Sosis is a writer, producer, and manager with a strong background in comedy and digital content. As the founder of Comedy Store Studios, he has overseen the development and production of numerous podcasts and comedy specials, helping to bring a range of projects to audiences across multiple platforms. His experience includes collaborations with major entertainment companies, including work connected to Comedy Central, SiriusXM, and Warner Music Group.
In addition to his production work, Jon Sosis is also the creator and host of the web series Building Friendships, reflecting his ongoing involvement in digital-first storytelling. His career demonstrates a clear focus on developing and supporting comedic voices, as well as an understanding of how content can evolve across different formats and audiences.
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Lara Toselli
Lara Toselli has built an extensive career in the entertainment industry, working both in front of and behind the camera from a young age. Beginning as a child presenter on television, she gained early recognition hosting a variety of youth programming, including being nominated for Best Kids Presenter at The People’s Choice Awards in 2008, before transitioning into acting and performance. Over the years, she has continued to develop her craft, appearing in television productions and theatre performances, including well-known stage shows such as Cabaret and Jersey Boys.
Expanding into writing, directing, and producing, Lara Toselli created the web series Chin Up, which won awards at the NYC Web Fest in both 2017 and 2019 and later secured a streaming release on Showmax in 2020. Her work reflects a strong interest in storytelling across formats, and she has continued to build on this through recent directing projects, including theatre productions that have received critical recognition. Her broad experience across the industry highlights a well-rounded creative perspective.
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New Additions Behind the Scenes
Beyond the jury, NYC Web Fest is also introducing new roles within its team. Todd A. Jackson has been appointed as the festival’s first-ever Brand Ambassador, acting as a bridge between organisers and creators. A previous jury member and award recipient, his appointment reflects the festival’s commitment to supporting participants beyond the submission process.
Meanwhile, Laurie Nothnagel returns as Programming Consultant, joining Vice President of Programming Zerelda Nothnagel.
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Expanding Opportunities for Creators
The 2026 edition also introduces new award categories for video projects, including Hair & Makeup and Special Effects, while podcast entries are now split into Video and Audio categories—an adjustment designed to better reflect the growing diversity of digital storytelling formats.
In addition, NYC Web Fest has renewed its partnership with Aux Mode, a company specialising in digital rights management, monetisation, and distribution. As part of the collaboration, one selected creator will receive a complimentary YouTube strategy session and channel optimisation consultation.
A Festival with a Global Vision
Since its inception, NYC Web Fest has positioned itself as a platform for emerging and established creators alike. Founded after Lauren Atkins identified a gap in New York’s festival landscape for digital series, the event has grown into an international hub for innovation in online content.
“Our goal is to make this festival the premier home for digital producers on an international level. An organic space where creators can showcase their talent, network with other artists, and learn from industry insiders,” Lauren Atkins said.
Over the years, the festival has welcomed an array of notable guests and jurors, including Kate Walsh, Victor Williams, Gina Torres, Evan Shapiro, and Francia Raisa, further cementing its standing within the entertainment industry.
With submissions now open and new initiatives in place, the 2026 edition of NYC Web Fest, taking place from November 13 to 15 in New York City, is set to continue its trajectory as a key destination for digital creators, offering both recognition and tangible support as the media landscape continues to evolve. Creators can submit their projects now via the official NYC Web Fest website, where more information about the festival, categories, and entry guidelines is also available.
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