Jen Cooper launches the first Duanju series awards in the United States
- May 1
- 1 min read
Jen Cooper, a key figure in Duanju in England and founder of Vertical Drama Love, organized a physical awards ceremony in Los Angeles dedicated to the format: the Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards. The event took place on April 23, 2026, at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, a venue with a capacity of 350 people, bringing together creators, actors, platforms, and audiences around vertical productions. The ceremony relies on an international fan voting system, with participation from over 100 countries, and a selection focused on content actually viewed on the apps.
Among the talents showcased were Eric Guilmette, Noah Fearnley, Sam Myerson, Nicole Mattox, Mariah Moss, and Seth Edeen, all from the American microdrama ecosystem. Holding a physical event in Hollywood marks a significant milestone. Duanju series are gaining public recognition, adopting codes similar to those of the audiovisual industry: ceremonies, awards, and increased visibility for talent. The awards ceremony extends distribution and enhances the value of certain productions. The duanju format is thus beginning to organize itself in the United States with its own dedicated events, supported by recognizable creators and actors, within a developing Western market.
