2026 Global OTT Awards: Highlighting Cross-Border Stars and Outstanding Streaming Content

The 2026 Global OTT Awards concluded at the Outdoor Theatre of the Busan Cinema Center, celebrating the year’s most outstanding streaming productions as part of the Korea International Streaming Festival (KISF).

The ceremony brought together creators, performers, and industry leaders from across Asia and the global streaming market, highlighting excellence in OTT content spanning drama series, variety programs, and original productions.

Actors Ahn Jae-hyun and Kang So-ra served as hosts for the evening, guiding a star-studded program that emphasized the growing international influence of streaming entertainment.

Major Awards Highlights

Best Supporting Actor

Jung Sung-il (Made in Korea, Disney+)

Jung Sung-il received one of the night’s key acting honors for his portrayal of Cheon Seok-jung.

Acceptance speech:

“I am Jung Sung-il, who played Cheon Seok-jung in Made in Korea. I would like to thank the staff who have always supported us, and to the production team and director for creating such a great work. I sincerely congratulate all the winners today.”

In the series, Jung portrayed the presidential security chief and chief of staff, delivering a restrained yet commanding performance noted for its tension-building presence throughout the drama.

Rising Star Award

Choi Mina-soo

Choi Mina-soo was honored with the Rising Star Award, recognizing emerging talent with strong international potential.

Acceptance speech (excerpt):

“I would like to thank my family, my parents, and all the fans who have always supported me. I am also sincerely grateful to my agency staff, as well as the production team, cast members, and viewers of Single’s Inferno 5.”

Choi first gained attention through Netflix’s reality series Single’s Inferno 5 and has since expanded into entertainment and style-focused programming.

Best Newcomer (Male)

Lee Ki-taek

Lee Ki-taek received the Best Newcomer award for his performance in The Practical Guide to Love, marking his breakthrough recognition at the festival.

International Presence

The ceremony also highlighted the increasing global reach of OTT platforms, with notable attendance from Chinese stars Song Wei Long and Tian Xiwei, whose presence drew strong media and fan attention in Busan.

Their participation underscored the expanding cross-border influence of Asian streaming content within the global OTT ecosystem.

Event Overview

The Global OTT Awards 2026 served as the centerpiece of KISF 2026, reinforcing Busan’s growing role as a hub for international streaming culture. The awards celebrated creative excellence and the continued expansion of OTT storytelling across global platforms.

Winners of 2026 Global OTT Awards:

Here is the professional English translation for the winner’s list, formatted and polished specifically for your media platform:

Major Categories (Content & Creative)

• Best Creative: You and Everything Else (Kakao Entertainment, Netflix)
• Best OTT Original: The Price of Confession (Netflix)
• Best Asian TV Series / Content: The Silent Noise (ABS-CBN Studios, Prime Video – Philippines) (Note: This marks the first-ever win for the Philippines in this category)

Acting Categories

• Best Lead Actor (Male): Tseng Jing-hua (Had I Not Seen the Sun)
• Best Lead Actor (Female): Shin Hae-sun (The Art of Sarah)
• Best Supporting Actor: Jung Sung-il (Made in Korea)
• Best Supporting Actress: Nana (Climax)
• Best Newcomer Actor: Lee Ki-taek (The Practical Guide to Love)
• Best Newcomer Actress: Kim Si-eun (The Price of Confession)

Popularity & Special Awards (People’s Choice & Rising Star)

• People’s Choice Award (Male): Song Weilong (Shine on Me)
• People’s Choice Award (Female): Tian Xiwei (Pursuit of Jade)
• Rising Star of the Year:
  • TWICE’s Dahyun (Love Me)
  • Rebecca Patricia Armstrong / Becky (Girl from Nowhere: The Reset)
  • Choi Mina-soo (Single’s Inferno Season 5)

Koreanupdates would like to thanks KISF for the invitations.

Article by: Jennifer

Photo by: Korea International Streaming Festival Official