Brigham Young University (BYU) students are making waves in the world of television, dominating the nominations for the prestigious College Television Awards. With a staggering 17 nominations across five projects and three categories, BYU has secured the most nominations from any single university in 2026, a testament to the exceptional talent emerging from this Utah institution. Dubbed the 'student Emmys,' these awards celebrate 'excellence, imagination, and innovation' in student-produced works, and BYU's presence is hard to ignore.
But here's where it gets even more impressive: BYU students swept the entire category for commercials, PSAs, or promos, claiming all three nominations and guaranteeing a win. This remarkable feat has become a tradition, as it marks the fifth consecutive year BYU has achieved such dominance. Among the standout nominees is Mia Shumway, a recent BYU graduate whose creative prowess shines through in two nominated projects.
Shumway's first project, 'Ink Up. Wash Out.,' is a hilarious Crayola ad featuring a child tattoo artist who uses markers to 'ink up' her friends. What's fascinating is that Shumway wrote this script during her junior year, only to find the perfect team to bring it to life a year later. 'I felt their skill set was ideal for this project,' she said, praising her collaborators, producer Eli Rothas and director Kyle Gilmour, for their unique talents in tattoo design and dramatic cinematography.
And this is the part most people miss: Shumway's other nominated work, 'Never Leave Home,' is a heartwarming U-Haul ad with a unique twist. Inspired by her observations of ducks near her home, the ad follows a family of ducks anxious about migration, only to realize they can take their belongings with them. Shumway credits director Joseph Larsen and producers Carly Garrett, Abe Tullis, and Jeff Yi for bringing this creative vision to life, highlighting the collaborative 'trauma bonding' experience that made the project so special.
The third nominated ad from BYU, 'Gap: Wear With Care,' tackles a poignant topic: the impact of self-talk across generations. Created by director Porter Christensen, writers Maren Edwards and Jill Jackson, and producer Taylor Slade, this ad serves as a powerful reminder of the weight our words carry.
Here's a controversial thought: What sets BYU apart in the advertising world? According to Shumway, it's the undergraduate program's focus on real-world experience and portfolio building, a contrast to the graduate-level portfolio creation common in other schools. Advertising professor Jeff Sheets attributes the students' success to their drive and the program's commitment to providing opportunities for growth and creativity.
Sheets takes pride in seeing his students excel, not just in winning awards but also in landing jobs at top ad agencies nationwide. 'It's the most rewarding moment ever,' he says, 'helping someone achieve their dreams and become a shining light in the industry.'
But the talent doesn't stop there: BYU's animation students, Jaysen Duckworth and Connor Van Dyke, received a nomination for their short film 'Love & Gold,' while Ryan Jones, Austin Lawrence, and Abigail Tolley were recognized for their comedic masterpiece 'Thanksgiving.' This hilarious take on a time-loop Thanksgiving dinner even has a chance at the inaugural 'Chance Perdomo Legacy Scholarship,' a $10,000 award honoring the late actor.
As the nominees prepare for the awards show in North Hollywood, they'll engage in professional development events with industry leaders, further honing their skills. BYU's sweep of the College Television Awards nominations is not just a win for the university but a celebration of the hard work, creativity, and dedication of its students.
What do you think about BYU's dominance in these awards? Is their success a result of the program's structure, the students' drive, or a combination of both? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's spark a discussion about the future of television and advertising talent!
