OFFICIAL COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS



NAMIC VISION AWARDS

Entries for the 2026 awards will open in November 2025.

More details coming soon!

2026 CALL FOR ENTRIES


Download Requirements as pdf

Founded more than 30 years ago, the 2026 NAMIC Vision Awards will again salute outstanding original programming on television and digital platforms that authentically represents the richness of different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences in today’s evolving audience.

AWARDS CATEGORIES

Qualifying programs will be recognized in the following 16 categories:

  • Animation
  • Best Performance - Comedy
  • Best Performance - Drama
  • Character Voiceover
  • Children’s Programming
  • Comedy Series or Special
  • Digital Media
  • Documentary
  • Drama Series or Special
  • Foreign Language Programming
  • Lifestyle Programming
  • News/Informational
  • Original Movie or Special
  • Reality Programming
  • Sports Programming
  • Variety/Talk Show

Descriptions for all categories can be found here.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Entries will be judged by a distinguished panel of media and entertainment industry executives based on the following criteria:

  • Overall presentation (Evaluation of the creative quality, originality, and relevance of the entry with consideration given to storytelling, execution, and impact within its genre or platform.)
  • Portrayals (Assessment of the depth, complexity, and authenticity of how people from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are represented.)
  • Themes and Issues (An examination of how the content explores relevant multicultural themes such as identity, belonging, equity, and intersectionality.)
  • Cultural Context (Consideration of how the content incorporates culturally specific elements that reflect the lived experiences of multi-ethnic and multicultural communities.)

ELIGIBILITY

Those eligible to submit entries include:

  • Broadcast Networks (National, Network-Owned and Operated, Affiliates)
  • Cable Networks (National and Regional)
  • Cable Operators (for local origination programming)
  • Syndicators (First-Run Original Programs)
  • VOD content for digital platforms — web or mobile
  • Any production company, distributor, or syndicator (content must have aired/streamed on an eligible platform)

Programs must be original and have aired between November 1, 2024 and November 30, 2025. Submissions must exemplify the NAMIC Vision Awards’ purpose: to celebrate authentic, inclusive storytelling that broadens representation and connections audiences across cultures, genres, and screens.

ENTRY DEADLINE

Completed entry submissions and payments are due by Friday, February 06, 2026 by 11:59 PM EST.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The following must be submitted with each program entered to be considered:

  1. You can provide access credentials/information to access the entry online via your streaming service or you can upload your entry/entries in the following video file formats: (.m4v, .mp4, .wmv, and .mov)
  2. Entry fee payment; submissions that do not include payment will not be considered for judging
  3. A fully completed online entry form (be sure to list entry exactly as you wish it to appear in promotional materials)
  4. Program description and running time (150-word limit)
  5. Network-approved credit sheet/cast list
  6. English language transcript for foreign language programs or English subtitles
  7. Your online registration should include Entry submission contact, a Company programming contact, and Company publicity contact

Incomplete or late entries will not be judged. You will be notified if your entry is disqualified for any reason. Entry fees are not refundable.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE ENTRIES

Foreign language programs may be entered in any category as long as English subtitles are included.

ENTRY FEE

The cost per entry is $375, which is payable by credit card or electronic payment via ACH. Submissions that do not include payment will not be considered for judging.

For questions and banking instructions to submit payment via ACH, contact Sandra Girado, Vice President, Events and Partner Relations, at sandra.girado@namic.com.

NAMIC VISION AWARDS TIMELINE

  • Friday, February 06, 2026 by 11:59 PM EST - Entry Deadline
  • March/April 2026 - Nominations Announcement
  • April/May 2026 - Winners Announcement

NOMINEE AND WINNER INFORMATION

If, after judging, your entry is a nominee and/or winner, NAMIC will notify the contact on the official entry form by email in advance of the public announcement.