The third annual Children’s & Family Emmy Awards lit up Los Angeles on Saturday night, celebrating some of the brightest talents and most creative minds in children’s entertainment. With big names like Meryl Streep and Christian Slater taking home awards and iconic characters like Percy Jackson making waves, the night was a star-studded affair. Hosted by the legendary voice actor Eric Bauza, best known for bringing Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck to life, the event was a tribute to the artistry and innovation shaping children’s television today.
A Night of Celebration and Creativity
The Children’s & Family Emmy Awards, a stand-alone competition organized by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), recognizes the brilliance of storytelling, animation, and live-action productions dedicated to young audiences. Adam Sharp, president and CEO of NATAS, highlighted the importance of the awards, stating, "The producers and craftspeople recognized during the two ceremonies today are serving television's youngest viewers and their families in creative and important ways. It is an honor to celebrate their exceptional work and achievements."
The evening was packed with incredible moments, including the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Emmy-winning puppeteer Fran Brill. Best known for her work on Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, Brill received the prestigious honor from fellow Muppets legend Dave Goelz, making for a nostalgic and heartwarming segment of the night.
Star Power and Unforgettable Moments
The ceremony boasted an impressive lineup of presenters, including comedy favorite Bobby Moynihan, young Hollywood star Jacob Tremblay (who also won an award), and the trio from Percy Jackson and the Olympians. With such an exciting mix of talent, the event was filled with energy and excitement, celebrating the best in children’s entertainment.
And now, let’s dive into the biggest winners of the night!
2025 Children’s & Family Emmy Winners
Top Fiction and Animation Honors
-
Best Fiction Special: The Velveteen Rabbit (Apple TV+)
-
Best Animated Special: Orion and the Dark (Netflix)
-
Best Short Form Animated Program: Once Upon a Studio (Disney+)
Animation Excellence
-
Storyboard Artist Award: David Lux, Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin (Apple TV+)
-
Character Design: Lesego Vorster, Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire (Disney+)
-
Background Design: Miho Tomimasu, Orion and the Dark (Netflix); Philip Vose, Merry Little Batman (Prime Video)
-
Color Design: Lauren Zurcher, Orion and the Dark (Netflix)
-
Production Design: Guillaume Fesquet, Merry Little Batman (Prime Video)
-
Character Animation: Elena Najar, Merry Little Batman (Prime Video)
Best Writing and Directing
-
Writing for an Animated Series: Dancing With Myself, Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (Disney+)
-
Directing (Single-Camera Live Action):
-
"The Big City", A Real Bug's Life (National Geographic)
-
"I Accidentally Vaporize My Pre-Algebra Teacher", Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney+)
-
Live-Action and Performance Awards
-
Best Preschool Animated Series: The Tiny Chef Show (Nickelodeon)
-
Best Children’s/Young Teen Animated Series: Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (Disney+)
-
Best Preschool Series: Blue’s Clues & You! (Nickelodeon)
-
Best Young Teen Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney+)
-
Best Children's or Family Viewing Series: Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock (Apple TV+)
Outstanding Performances
-
Children’s Personality: Meryl Streep, Storyline Online (StorylineOnline.net)
-
Puppetry Performer: Leslie Carrara-Rudolph as Abby Cadabby & Tango, Sesame Street (Max)
-
Lead Performer in a Children’s Program: Christian Slater as Mulgarath, The Spiderwick Chronicles (Roku Channel)
-
Supporting Performer: Amanda Lawrence as Matron Shipley, Malory Towers (BYUtv)
-
Younger Performer: Phoenix Laroche as William, The Velveteen Rabbit (Apple TV+)
Voice Acting Superstars
-
Younger Voice Performer: Jacob Tremblay as Orion, Orion in the Dark (Netflix)
-
Preschool Voice Performer: Kari Wahlgren as Granny Caterina, Ms. Poochytail & Magda, Superkitties (Disney Junior)
-
Children’s Voice Performer: Eric Bauza as Daffy Duck & Bugs Bunny, Teen Titans Go! (Cartoon Network)
Public Service and Educational Programs
-
Public Service Initiative Winners:
-
La Fuerza-STEM: Engaging Hispanic Families in Science Through Culturally Relevant Media, Univision
-
Well Versed, Nickelodeon
-
-
Best Non-Fiction Program: Stand Up & Shout: Songs From a Philly High School (HBO | Max)
A Night to Remember
The 2025 Children’s & Family Emmy Awards not only celebrated industry giants but also shone a spotlight on rising stars and innovative storytelling. Whether it was honoring legendary actors like Meryl Streep, highlighting the work of brilliant animators, or recognizing the importance of public service initiatives, the event captured the heart and soul of children's entertainment.
With shows like Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, and Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock making waves, it’s clear that family programming is more creative and inspiring than ever. The evening reinforced that storytelling for young audiences is just as powerful, meaningful, and deserving of recognition as any other form of entertainment.
As we look forward to another year of groundbreaking children’s content, one thing is certain: the future of family television is in great hands!
Login