WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Navajo filmmakers, actors, and young performers are making waves as two groundbreaking Navajo-language productions, Cleaning’s a Cakewalk and Navajo Highways, have received nominations for the 52nd Annual Pacific Southwest Emmy® Awards.
“The possibilities are endless when we invest in our people, our language, and our stories,” said Buu Nygren. “Successes at this level highlight and strengthen education, preserve Diné culture, create economic opportunities, and ensure that Navajo voices are represented on screens across the country.”
In collaboration with First Nations Experience (FNX), the nominations recognize two projects that showcase the incredible talent of Navajo filmmakers, actors, artists, and youth.
Producer/Director Ryan Begay and Producer Goldie Tom earned an Emmy® nomination in the Arts/Entertainment Content category for Cleaning’s a Cakewalk, an acclaimed Navajo-language short film that has received recognition at numerous film festivals. The film features a talented cast of Navajo actors and highlights the next generation of Indigenous performers, including a standout performance by Kellyn Morris (Dark Winds) in the role of Albert. Morris’ heartfelt and authentic portrayal helps drive the film’s message about family, responsibility, and cultural values. The production also provided opportunities for Navajo youth actors to gain valuable on-screen experience while performing in their language.
Meanwhile, filmmaker Pete Sands’s Navajo Highways received two Emmy® nominations for Informational/Instructional Content and Best Set Design. The Navajo-language puppet series follows a young girl rediscovering her Navajo culture, language, and family roots through storytelling, puppetry, and memorable Indigenous characters. The show continues to serve as a valuable resource for Diné youth and language revitalization efforts.
The educational series serves as a vibrant cultural and linguistic resource for Diné youth, using humor, creativity, and engaging characters to promote language revitalization.
“These nominations represent the hard work of so many people—from our filmmakers, crew and actors to the children and families who helped bring these stories to life,” said Goldie Tom. “Seeing Navajo-language productions recognized by the Emmy® Awards demonstrates that our stories, our language, and our people belong on every stage.”
The achievement marks a major milestone for Indigenous filmmaking, Native-language storytelling, and the growing success of the Navajo Nation Filmmakers’ Grant Program (NNFGP), established in December 2023 through the Navajo Nation Television and Film Office (NNTVF).
The Emmy® nominations also reflect the strength of the partnership between Navajo filmmakers, the Navajo Nation, and FNX in creating nationally recognized Indigenous media rooted in culture, language, and community.
Winners will be announced during the 2026 Pacific Southwest Emmy® Awards Gala on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in La Jolla.
For more information on these shows and to watch, visit First Nations Experience (FNX).
