Since its founding in 1978, the Young Artist Academy has been known by several names, including the Hollywood Women’s Photo and Press Club, the Youth in Film Association, and the Young Artist Association. Regardless of its name, the organization's main goals have always been to recognize and award excellence among young performers and to help young artists who may be facing financial or physical challenges through scholarships.
The inaugural Young Artist Academy Awards ceremony (then known as the Youth in Film Awards) took place in October 1979. It was the first awards ceremony to specifically recognize and award the excellence of performers under the age of 21. The first winners included Dennis Christopher, Diane Lane, Adam Rich, Charlene Tilton, Meegan King, Tracey Bregman, Michael Jackson, Evelyn King, Gary Coleman, and Thelonious Bernard. Many of them successfully transitioned to adult careers.
Affectionately referred to as the “Kiddie Oscars” or “Youth Oscars”, the Young Artist Academy Awards are the first and longest-running youth awards in Hollywood. It is also the only youth awards program structured like major “adult” awards such as the Academy Awards (Oscars), BAFTAs, Emmys, and Grammys.
Winners are voted on by Academy members who fall into one of three groups: Young Artists (ages 18 and under), Young Artists Academy Award alumni (ages 19 and over), and family members of Academy members and industry professionals. As of 2024, acting nominations were given for performances in feature films, short films, streaming films, streaming series, TV movies, TV series, TV commercials, music videos, and voice acting roles. Outstanding awards were given for outstanding vocalists, singles, writers, and directors.
The Young Artist Academy Awards ceremony is held annually in Los Angeles, except for the 41st and 42nd ceremonies, which were virtual due to the pandemic. As of 2025, the ceremony takes place at the Directors Guild of America Theater Complex on Sunset Boulevard. It is a red-carpet event attended by nominees, their families, agents, managers, presenters, and other guests.
Since the inception of the Young Artist Academy Awards, multiple winners and nominees have become household names in the entertainment industry. Notable examples include Christian Bale, Drew Barrymore, Jamie Bell, Lisa Bonet, Kaley Cuoco, Miley Cyrus, Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp, Patrick Dempsey, Hilary Duff, Kirsten Dunst, Zac Efron, Elle Fanning, Megan Fox, Jodie Foster, Johnny Galecki, Selena Gomez, Jake Gyllenhaal, Neil Patrick Harris, Katherine Heigl, Scarlett Johansson, Regina King, and Mila Kunis. , Brie Larson, Jennifer Lawrence, Demi Lovato, Mario Lopez, Michelle Pfeiffer, Joaquin Phoenix, Sarah Jessica Parker, Hayden Panettiere, Natalie Portman, Ke Huy Quan, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Roberts, Julia Roberts, Saoirse Ronan, Emmy Rossum, Winona Ryder, Jaden Smith, John Stamos, Hilary Swank, Emma Watson, Shailene Woodley, Michelle Williams, Reese Witherspoon, and Zendaya.
Photo: youngartistawards.org
