FUTURE IS NOW! Gearing Up for the 46th Young Artist Academy Awards – And GUESS WHO'S HOSTING KIDS? Kevin Smith!

Get ready to shine a HUGE spotlight on the future of entertainment! This weekend marks a truly special event: the 46th Young Artist Academy Awards Ceremony, and believe me, you guys are gonna want to pay attention!

For those who might not know, the Young Artist Academy Awards isn't just another awards show. This is Hollywood's ORIGINAL and longest-running youth awards, a non-profit powerhouse that's been recognizing incredible young talent – from ages 5 to 18, across film, TV, streaming, dance, you name it – since 1978! Think of it as the "Youth Oscars," built to celebrate the next generation of stars, give them a platform, and even hook them up with mentorship and scholarships. It’s all about supporting the passionate young artists who are putting in the work!

And get this, folks – this year's ceremony, happening TOMORROW, Saturday, July 19th, at 5:00 PM at the Directors Guild of America in Hollywood, is going to be an absolute blast because the legendary Kevin Smith is stepping up to host!

KEVIN SMITH, PEOPLE! The man behind Clerks, Mallrats, Dogma, Silent Bob himself! His signature blend of humor, heart, and undeniable passion for pop culture makes him the perfect choice to lead an event celebrating emerging talent. Imagine the energy he's going to bring! This isn't just a ceremony; it's a celebration of raw talent and dedication, guided by a true industry icon.

KEVIN SMITH VIA YOUNG ARTIST AWARDS INSTAGRAM

This is where the magic happens, where you get to see the actors, writers, and creators of tomorrow getting the recognition they deserve today. Many of the biggest stars we obsess over now got their start being honored by the Young Artist Academy! It’s all about nurturing that passion and protecting the rights of these young performers, making sure they have a fair shot.

Well be paying close attention and we're stoked to bring you the inside scoop from the red carpet and the ceremony itself. We'll be looking for those moments that truly define what it means to be a rising star in Hollywood.

So keep your eyes locked on wearecritix.com and all of our social media this weekend! We're celebrating the future, and trust me, it looks incredibly bright!