RT's Suzanne Kelly to receive the 2026 Murakami Award at Animation Dingle

Dingle, Co. Kerry - Animation Dingle is delighted to announce that Suzanne Kelly, Head of Children's and Young People's Content at RT , will receive the Murakami Award 2026 sponsored by Brown Bag Films in recognition of her outstanding contribution to children's media and her support of the animation and creative sectors.

A graduate of Film &Television Production from Manchester Metropolitan University, Suzanne began her career at RT working across myriad programmes, from talk shows to radio. A 10-year stint in the independent sector followed, where Suzanne worked across a diverse number of genres from gameshows to lifestyle programming. documentaries to drama and everything in between.

Returning to RT in 2008, she specialised in children's content for ten years before being appointed Head of Children's & Young People's Content in 2018, where she now leads commissioning and content development in the sector. Suzanne and her dedicated team work hand in hand with producers across the Live Action, Animation & Audio sectors to deliver standout moments for TV audio & online. Recent commissions include the scripted drama series' The Unreal, a spooky drama in which the real & the Unreal collide, & Showkids, set around a very special after school drama class for talented youngsters. Bellie & Whizz Minding Me, a series helping kids understand and manage their emotions, soothing bedtime adventures on Beddybyes, & Maddie + Triggs, where musical adventures are created from everyday life.

At Animation Dingle this weekend, Suzanne said I am absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to receive the Murakami Award. It is a real privilege to work so closely with the animation sector here in Ireland, and to play even a small part in helping bring such extraordinary creativity to the screen has been an absolute joy. The talent, imagination and ambition within this industry are truly world-class, and I feel incredibly lucky to collaborate with so many inspiring creators who continue to push the boundaries of storytelling for young audiences

Darragh O'Connell, Creative Director and Co- Founder, Brown Bag Films and sponsor of the Murakami award said:

As a co-founder of an Irish animation studio, I know the importance of having a national broadcaster that champions young Irish animators and companies. Suzanne Kelly has always been at the forefront of this and is a truly deserving recipient of this year's Murakami Award

He continued:

On behalf of those in the Irish animation community who have worked with her, we are thrilled to see Suzanne Kelly recognised with this award. Through her work at RT , she has consistently championed Irish creativity, storytelling and the people behind our industry. Her curiosity, integrity and genuine support for homegrown talent have helped shine a light on animation in Ireland, both here and internationally. For someone who has been such a thoughtful and passionate advocate for the creative sector, we are delighted to present Suzanne with this year's Murakami Award.

As part of this year's festival programme, Suzanne will also take part in a special on-stage conversation hosted by BBC podcast commissioner Dylan Haskins, where she will discuss the evolving landscape of children's broadcasting and reflect on receiving the Murakami Award.

Speaking at Animation Dingle, this weekend, Ethna Murakami said:

On behalf of Jimmy's family, we want to congratulate Suzanne on receiving the Murakami Award in recognition of her many years of dedication and contribution to the broadcast animation industry.

The Murakami Award will be presented during Animation Dingle, Ireland's leading animation festival.

ENDS

The Murakami Award, named after the legendary Japanese animator Jimmy Teru Murakami ( ) (1933-2014) a founding father of Irish animation, recognises individuals who have demonstrated unparalleled innovation, vision, and impact in the field of animation.

The Murakami Award honours individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to animation, storytelling and the wider creative industries. Named after legendary animator Jimmy T. Murakami, the award celebrates those who inspire creativity and innovation in the animation community.

Previous recipients of the Murakami Award include Andrew Fitzpatrick (2025), Micheal Algar (2024), Steve Woods (2023), Eileen Bell (2022), Rob Cullen (2021), Nora Twomey (2019), Darragh O'Connell & Cathal Gaffney (2018), Aidan Hickey (2017), Don Bluth & Gary Oldman (2016), Tomm Moore

LINK:	https://about.rte.ie/2026/03/20/rtes-suzanne-kelly-to-receive-the-2026...
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