Netflix looked like it was going to be a winner at the beginning of this week after its “Netflix Effect” report outlining its global impact had everyone talking. But then Texas sued the streaming giant, accusing it of selling kids’ data to third parties. Whether or not that’s true (Netflix claims it isn’t), those are some damning accusations with far-reaching implications—bumping the streamer out of Gold Star contention. 

In the meantime, here are some winners who didn’t get the run pulled out from under them. (One more note: You’ve got an extra day to vote this week, because Monday is a holiday in Canada. See you on Tuesday!)

Matt Braly and The Monk Studios: Amphibia creator Matt Braly nearly waved goodbye to his long-brewing passion project Afterworld—about a boy looking for a cure in the world of Thai spirits—after Sony Pictures Animation dropped it. But then came a Thai-inspired real-world twist: Bangkok’s The Monk Studios has now acquired the rights to the film, giving Braly’s vision another chance to come to life. The initial news of Sony axing the film was met with a huge wave of support from online animation fans, reminiscent of the pushback that saved Coyote vs. Acme. In a business that’s no stranger to legendary nixed projects, it’s worth celebrating a story of rebirth.

MIAM!: Can you DIY a distribution strategy that keeps up with modern audiences? Well, that’s what this Parisian studio/distributor just did, with a multi-channel launch for The Tinies DIYs. The new companion series to The Tinies just rolled out across all platforms, including linear, SVOD and YouTube, simultaneously. It’s a coordinated strategy from MIAM! and home-turf commissioner Canal+ to make sure the show reaches every type of viewer from day one—and maybe gets noticed in other markets, too. The spinoff—which has already scored several international pre-sales—is packed with tutorials teaching kids how to recycle materials. Business savvy and for a good cause? Nicely done, MIAM!

Spin Master: The Canadian toyco had three deals to celebrate this week, unleashing its pups on the small screen and unleashing its own potential in some new categories. Preschooler faves PAW Patrol and its spinoff Rubble & Crew both scored two-season renewal orders at Nickelodeon, building on strong viewership and smartly leveraging the dino plotline coming up in the new theatrical threequel. Beyond the dog park, the toyco’s Melissa & Doug wooden toy brand is branching out into books. And Spin also scored big in a global licensing deal with Supercell—a pact that will spawn toy lines based on popular mobile games like Clash of Clans and Brawl Stars. Could game-based products become the next avenue of domination for Spin Master? We wouldn’t bet against them!

So who had the best week in the bunch? Vote before 8 a.m. ET on Tuesday to let us know what you think:

Want to pitch us a Gold Star nomination? Send an email to submissions@kidscreen.com by noon on Thursdays. And check back every Friday for our next batch of nominees. Hope to see you on the list!