2025 Nominees

Nikhil & Jay

King Banana TV, Paper Owl Films, BBC, Cake Entertainment, Northern Ireland Screen

UK

- Animation: Preschool

Nikhil & Jay follows two brothers whose Mum (Amma) is Indian and whose Dad (Appa) is English. A family sitcom written from a place of knowledge, love and authentic, lived experience of two cultures coming together, Nikhil & Jay tells relatable, child-focussed stories with fast paced wit and visual humour. Nikhil & Jay puts diversity front and centre. Inspiration for the series came from author Chitra Soundar’s lived experience, making it genuinely authentic. The diversity of off-screen talent was a key part to the production, which involved various mentoring schemes . All the casting is culturally authentic. The original score is composed by English brothers who are of Indian heritage. The impact of representation on the younger audience is so pronounced that its effect on how they see themselves and the world around them cannot be underestimated. Nikhil & Jay has a positive impact on the children’s audience, and has created a greater breadth of talent across the industry.