The 2026 Verties Awards took place in Culver City on Saturday, August 22nd, as part of this year’s VertiCon, and they were a major success. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the recap.
Particularly impressive about this award show is that it is industry nominated (by insiders) but voted by the fans. Cayman Cardiff and Don Wolfgram hosted the ceremony, which was produced by Beemer Wolf Productions and sponsored by Puppy Love Productions and I Am Courageous.
VertiCon co-directors Hollie, Donelle and Michelle (Michi) all served as producers of The Verties, with Dan Wolfgram also serving as creative director, Brady Wolfgram as editor, Justin Graves as Sound Engineers and Gabrielle Graves as music producer.
The award show featured 24 categories, which included wins for “Love Is a Dangerous Dance” for “Style & Glam,” “The Fighter Who Stole My Pulse” for “Favorite Foreign Vertical,” “Chasing Kiarra” for “Favorite Fantasy Vertical,” “In the Palm of His Hand” for “Spark,” and “Office Enemies” was honored with “Pinnacle Ensemble.”
Speaking of “Office Enemies,” it also won for “Comedy Spotlight.” The “VertiCon” theme song by the Justin Graves Band was ultra catchy and fun.
Gabriella Graves also treated the audience to her original song “Photograph,” which was expressive and had an Indigo Girls vibe to it.
John Henry Richardson won for “Lord Regent,” while Thresa Richardson won for “Lady Regent” in the patriarch and matriarch categories respectively.
Logan Hannigan won for “Prince” while Scarlett Sterling Shields won for “Princess.” It is safe to say that these two child winners gave two of the more endearing acceptance speeches of the night. Shayne Davis was recognized with the “Lionheart” Award.
A neat moment was when executive producer Hollie went on stage and surprised Michi and Donelle with awards for their hard work and efforts in all that they’ve done for VertiCon this year, and rightfully so. They truly deserved their standing ovation.
ReelShort won for “Favorite Pocket Theater,” and rightfully so, while Michael Vaccaro won for “Knight of the Crown” with Sophia Delucchi as the “Lady in Waiting.”
Natalie Gergely won for “Visionary Pen” for “Swipe Left” while Steven Kammerer won for “Director’s Chair” for “Beneath Crimson Sails.”
In the “Cutting Edge” editing category, Keegan Martin was recognized for “Swipe Left: Dying for Love.” Riley Davis also showcased her crystalline country vocals on her song “222.”
The baton was passed to Jeff Violette for “Master of Mayhem” and Long Island’s Sarah Moliski claimed her “Countess of Chaos” throne.
In the ever-competitive “King” category, Cayman Cardiff reigned supreme, while Nicole Mattox (who was unable to accept in person due to filming) won for “Queen.”
The biggest award of the night went to “Swipe Left” for “Vertical of the Year.”
Congratulations again to all of this year’s winners (and nominees)… everybody in that room was deserving, and they all have helped make the vertical industry what it is today.
The Verdict
Overall, this year’s Verties Awards were organized, well-planned, heartwarming, and engaging. Kudos to all involved, and for celebrating the work of everyone in this industry… from the actors, to the creators (directors, editors, producers) and other staff involved because as they say, for any show or production to run, it takes a village! The Verties garned an A rating.
Hollie, Donelle, and Michi concluded by announcing that the 2027 VertiCon will be held at The Biltmore in Los Angeles next year.
To learn more about VertiCon, visit its official website, and follow their Instagram page.
Read More: Meet the ladies behind the VertiCon 2026: Building Community and Shaping the future of Vertical entertainment.
