By Isle of Wight Observer
Mountbatten Isle of Wight is urging Islanders to vote again in the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2026, following changes to the competition which mean public support could now secure up to £13,000 in funding.
The charity’s film, “The Letter”, created with NOSY Creative Agency, has been shortlisted in the £15–50 million turnover category. Winners will now be decided by public vote, with prize money awarded alongside national media support.
The awards have moved away from a ceremony-based format to a cash prize model. A £10,000 Grand Prix will go to the film with the highest number of votes overall, while each category winner will receive £3,000 in the People’s Choice Gold award. A separate judges’ award, also worth £3,000, will be decided independently.
Mountbatten previously received a Silver People’s Choice award in 2025. This year, the charity says votes could translate directly into funding to support its services.
Around 2,500 people are cared for each day by Mountbatten, supporting those facing death, dying and bereavement, as well as their families. Some 85 per cent of care is delivered in people’s homes across the Island, and the charity supports around 70 per cent of deaths locally.
Chief executive Becky McGregor said: “The restructured awards mean public votes now translate directly into much-needed funding. Every single vote brings us closer to securing resources that would make a real difference to the people we support.”
She added: “If you voted before, thank you. Please vote again and turn your support into vital funding that means we can continue caring for Island families.”
Voting remains open until Thursday (April 23), with winners due to be announced on April 29. Supporters can vote via iw.observer/smiley.
Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter 
Mal Butler