What happens on social media can change the world, make new celebrities and mobilise global activism - The Shorty Awards were created to acknowledge these influencers, brands and organizations on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok who do just that.
However, along with the rest of the world, The Shorty Awards had to change the way they do business due to the global pandemic. Winners are chosen through a combination of public voting and scores given by the Real Time Academy which usually culminates in a star-studded ceremony in New York City but this year the award ceremony went online as most of the globe remains in lockdown.
It was a huge success with millions casting their votes. The organisers took to Instagram to thank those who supported their digital event saying: “ THANK YOU ALL FOR WATCHING! The first-ever digital Shorty Awards was a success! Congrats to all our winners and thank you to our presenters, musical performers and sponsors you made this year’s Shorty Awards one of the best yet! Did you miss the show? No worries, watch it later with the link in our bio! #shortyawards”
Included in this year's list of game-changers is our very own Trevor Noah and environmental activist Greta Thunberg as well as Aussie actor Rebel Wilson.
Here is a complete list of the best in online entertainment, music, tech, business, fitness, fashion, beauty and philanthropy - as well as one or two acceptance speeches!
Best Actor
Rebel Wilson
Best Animal
Maya the Samoyed
Best Breakout YouTuber
Supercar Blondie
Best Celebrity
Zendaya
Best in Activism
Greta Thunberg
Best in Arts
Dave Pollot
Best in Beauty
Nikita Dragun
Best in Comedy
Trevor Noah
Best in Dance
Benny the Bull
Best in Fashion
Aquaria
Best in Food
Juns Kitchen
Best in Gaming
NoisyButters
Best in Health & Wellness
Wheels2Walking
Best in House & Home
Our Faux Farmhouse
Best in Lifestyle
Les Do Makeup
Best in Music
TWICE
Best in Parenting, Family and Kids
The Bramfam
Best in Sports
Megan Rapinoe
Best in Travel
Haley Dasovich
Best in Weird
jackstauber
Best Journalist
Mona Chalabi
Best LGBTQ+ Account
Rose and Rosie
Best Meme/Parody Account
Thoughts of Dog
Best Podcaster
Emma Chamberlain
Best YouTube Ensemble
Kian and JC
Best YouTube Musician
Pomplamoose
Gif of the Year
And I Oop
Instagram of the Year
Lizzo post AMAs
Instagrammer of the Year
Wolfgang
TikToker of the Year
Avani Gregg
Twitch Streamer of the Year
MrFreshAsian
YouTube Comedian of the Year
Morgan Adams
YouTuber of the Year
MrBeast
Phenom Award
Jameela Jamil, P.K. Subban and Eugene Lee Yang
