The NEM Awards are returning as part of NEM Zagreb 2026, taking place on December 7–8 at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, bringing together television professionals from across Europe and the CEE region, the event's organizers announced today.

There will be 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.

Co-organized by CEETV, 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.

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.

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.

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 November 11, while submissions for PITCH & PLAY LIVE! close on October 23, 2026.

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.