Funding Opportunities Broadened by HPA for New Projects

Expanded HPA Awards to Highlight Innovation and Technology in Media Industry

The Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) has announced an expanded programme for its annual HPA Awards, focusing on innovation and technology in the media content industry and the broader M&E technology space. The awards ceremony will take place on February 18, 2026, at the Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

Nominations for the HPA Awards Innovation & Technology will be announced in January 2026, with submissions for the listed categories accepted until October 17, 2025. The expanded programme will honour achievements across the entire production lifecycle, from pre-production through distribution and audience experience.

The HPA Awards Innovation & Technology will introduce new categories, recognising the impact of innovation and technology on the broader professional media and entertainment ecosystem. Awards will be presented for various categories within the programme, with submissions for the listed categories automatically eligible for consideration for the HPA Transformative Impact Award.

Joachim Zell and Chuck Parker will co-chair the HPA Awards Innovation & Technology. The HPA Transformative Impact Award recognises the single idea in any given year with the most potential to transform the professional media content industry ecosystem.

In addition, the HPA Tech Retreat Best in Show will be selected by HPA Tech Retreat attendees at the most innovative technology exhibited in the Innovation Zone at the 2026 HPA Tech Retreat. The criteria for judging will include innovation, current industry impact, technical merit, and adoption readiness.

The HPA Special Awards Honors will also be given on February 19, 2026. For 20 years, the HPA Engineering Excellence Award has recognised engineering achievement. More information about the HPA Awards Innovation & Technology can be found on the HPA website.

The 2026 HPA Tech Retreat will take place on February 18-22, 2026, with the HPA Awards Innovation & Technology Ceremony taking place on the evening of February 18. The HPA Tech Retreat is an annual event that brings together industry leaders, innovators, and professionals to discuss the latest trends and technologies in the media and entertainment industry.