The Sandford St Martin 2026 Awards Ceremony

The 2026 Awards ceremony was held on 16 June at Lambeth Palace in London. Our thanks to everyone who entered their content for an award this year as well as our excellent judges, and congratulations to all the shortlisted entries and winners.

You can watch the overture to the ceremony featuring many of the content-makers whose work makes these awards so special below as well as short interviews with the presenters and creatives of the winning entries.

For 2026, the Sandford St Martin Trustees recognised Pilgrimage with a Special Award. Much more than a travelogue, ‘Pilgrimage’ is a moving exploration of what it means to listen, to question, to learn and to connect; a shining example of the value of public service broadcasting.

A message from our Chair, Dr Tony Stoller CBE   

“We live amid momentous events, on a scale few of us have ever experienced before. Not all those that affect us are encountered directly. Many of the most significant events in our lives – those that shape our futures, inform our thinking and behaviour, and remain subjects of reflection for years to come – are first experienced through broadcast media. Whether through coverage of major global developments, conflict, or social and political change; the shared experience of sporting or electoral events; the simple enjoyment of a popular game show; the lasting impact of a compelling drama; or the deep emotions stirred by a musical performance, broadcasting continues to play a central role in shaping how we understand and engage with the world… As in all of our 48 years, but perhaps with even greater significance in the current climate, we are honoured that these works have been shared with us.”