This year's edition of the German Entertainment Awards (DEA) is in the starting blocks: The Entertainment Section of the Production Alliance has opened the submission period for the industry award. Until 25 March 2026 production companies and creatives can submit their entries for the awards.

The award ceremony is scheduled for 18 June 2026 in Cologne has been announced. The DEA is being awarded for the fifth time and is aimed at producers of non-fictional entertainment formats.

This year, the categories have been expanded: In addition to the established prizes Best Development and Best Adaptation the Best Short Form Award which honours the best short-format entertainment format (under 15 minutes per episode). In addition, the VFF Best Talent Award The award is divided into the areas of editing and production in order to recognise young talent in both disciplines separately.

In addition, another Entertainment special price donated by the Film- und Medienstiftung NRWwhich additionally honours an outstanding format.

A ten-member committee chaired by Rolf Hellgardt (Prime Productions) decides on the award. In addition to Hellgardt, the committee includes representatives from various production companies and content agencies.

Further information on the submission procedure and the event can be found on the official website of the German Entertainment Awards.