Rules Were Made to Be Rewritten
Behind every viral moment is a creative risk. Behind every cultural shift is a visionary bold enough to try something new.
At a defining moment in digital culture, the 17th Annual Shorty Awards arrive with “Break the Rule” as both a theme, and a manifesto.
Platforms change. Algorithms shift. It’s the rule-breakers who rise and lead.
As the 17th Annual Shorty Awards unfold, we are proud to honor and spotlight five trailblazers of digital storytelling. Through bold ideas, strategic risks, and boundary-pushing creativity, they shaped the cultural landscape in 2024.
These are this season’s Creators of the Year.
News Creator of the Year: V Spehar
In a world where the news can feel like doomscrolling with a side of dread, V Spehar has emerged as a much-needed voice of clarity, compassion, and calm. The award-winning digital journalist, TikTok powerhouse, and host of American Fever Dream didn’t just break into the news cycle—they flipped it on its head with UnderTheDeskNews, a platform built to make current events feel human, understandable, and safe to engage with.
With over 4 million followers across platforms, V has become the go-to news source for a generation that values facts and feelings. Whether they’re breaking down policy shifts, spotlighting community stories, or calmly decoding chaotic headlines, V’s short-form explainers deliver the day’s biggest news without the panic—and always from a place of empathy.
Their impact is undeniable: one-on-one interviews with Vice President Kamala Harris, President Biden, President Obama, and top U.S. officials; official digital streamer for the 2024 DNC; correspondent for the Paris Olympics with TikTok; plus collaborations with NBC News, the LA Times, and the Washington Post. That’s not just content creation—it’s journalism at the highest level.
A Webby Special Achievement winner, GLAAD Media Award finalist, MediaWise Ambassador, and RISE25 honoree—V is recognized across the industry for raising the standard of digital news. And with a hit podcast, a growing Substack, and a debut book on the way from Zando Publishing in 2026, they’re just getting started.
Commercial Creator of the Year: Grace Wells
When Grace Wells picks up a random object, the internet pays attention—and brands take notes. With over 3.6 million followers and 72.7 million TikTok likes, Grace has transformed the everyday into the extraordinary, turning “random stuff” into epic cinematic experiences. Her viral series, “Making Epic Commercials for Random Objects,” racked up 167 million views and redefined what short-form branded content could be in the creator economy.
A triple threat—producer, director, and editor—Grace brings Hollywood-quality storytelling to product videos, proving that commercial content can be scroll-stopping, emotional, and wildly entertaining. She's not just a creator; she's a creative force that’s bridging the gap between Madison Avenue and Gen Z.
Grace’s impact doesn’t stop at her own feed. Through Product Film School, she’s empowering the next generation of creators to elevate their craft. And with her production company, PFStudio, she’s built a growing collective of videographers producing ready-to-run brand assets that meet the moment—on any platform, in any format.
Whether she’s crafting a luxury spot for a paper clip or mentoring the future of ad creativity, Grace Wells is shaping the next chapter of advertising with every frame. Her work proves that creativity is the best commercial strategy.
Dual-Format Creator of the Year: Sambucha
Sam Beres—better known as Sambucha—has emerged as one of the most distinctive and consistent voices in digital media today. After leaving a career on Wall Street to pursue content creation full-time, Sam has built a cross-platform empire by turning internet chaos into compelling, digestible stories. His signature style—equal parts curiosity, challenge, and wit—makes even the most obscure corners of online culture feel accessible and wildly entertaining.
What sets Sambucha apart is his unmatched ability to thrive in both shortform and longform video. Whether he’s delivering a quick 60-second explainer or unpacking a deep-dive narrative, Sam’s content resonates with a loyal audience that spans Gen Z to Millennials. With over 15 million followers across YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram—and billions of monthly views—Sambucha has become a daily destination for those who want to make sense of—and laugh at—the Iinternet.
From mastering the art of vertical storytelling to commanding attention with longer-form formats, Sambucha is redefining what it means to be a creator in 2025. His work doesn’t just go viral—it builds community.
Studio of the Year: Dhar Mann Studios
Named the “Moral Philosopher of YouTube” by The New York Times, Dhar Mann is the #1 digital scripted content creator in the world—and the visionary force behind Dhar Mann Studios (DMS). Founded in 2018, DMS was built with a mission to tell inspirational stories that create real-world impact. Today, it stands as a global powerhouse in digital media, reaching over 10 billion views in the past year alone and amassing a community of 136 million followers across platforms.
Dhar Mann Studios produces several hours of original, narrative-driven content each week—stories that resonate with viewers of all ages through themes of kindness, compassion, and integrity. It’s a studio that doesn’t just entertain—it uplifts. From relatable family dramas to powerful social messages, DMS has redefined what positive storytelling can look like in the digital age. His unique blend of personal transparency, premium scripted storytelling, and social good has led to collaborations with top-tier brands like MTV, Amazon, Instagram, and Universal. Dhar Mann Studios continues to shape the future of digital media—not just through views, but through values.
Dhar himself is more than a creator—he’s a mission-driven entrepreneur, producer, husband, father, and role model. Recognized by Forbes as the #2 Top Creator of 2024, he’s also a nominee for Favorite Male Creator at the 2024 Kids' Choice Awards, a three-time Telly Award winner, a past Shorty Award winner for Best YouTube Presence, and a 2022 Streamy Award nominee for Best Scripted Series.
Site of the Year: The Shade Room, founded by Angie Nwandu
When Angie Nwandu launched The Shade Room in 2014, she didn’t just start a media platform—she sparked a cultural movement. Now with over 42 million followers, TSR has become the digital pulse of celebrity news, culture, and viral conversation. Whether it’s breaking stories, driving trending topics, or turning comments into headlines, The Shade Room has redefined how the internet stays informed and entertained.
Angie is the visionary behind it all—a creative powerhouse who turned shade into strategy. With over a decade of trailblazing in digital media, she’s cracked the code on audience connection, community building, and narrative control. TSR doesn’t just report the culture—it is the culture, blending entertainment and accountability with unmatched authenticity.
But Angie’s impact goes beyond the grid. She’s built a platform that elevates Black voices, disrupts traditional media models, and proves that success can look radically different—and more inclusive—than legacy norms. Her presence on stage, online, and in boardrooms is reshaping what media leadership looks like in the creator economy.
With accolades from Variety, Forbes 30 Under 30, and Cynopsis Top Women in Media, Angie’s work is more than worthy of celebration. This year, the Shorty Awards are proud to honor The Shade Room and Angie Nwandu with Site of the Year—for building a digital empire where the internet comes to talk, laugh, reflect, and keep it all the way real.
The creative world plays by rules. But, some creators break them better than anyone else.
As these winners continue pushing boundaries, one thing is clear: the future of digital content belongs to those brave enough to redefine it.
Congratulations to the 17th Annual Shorty Awards Creators of the Year.
They’ve set the stage, but the full celebration is just getting started. Join us in NYC on May 21 as the 17th Annual Shorty Awards live show honors the boldest work and trailblazers of the year.
Ready to be part of it? Get your tickets here.
