JW Marriott Austin
JW Marriott Austin
BEST ENSEMBLE CAST, UNSCRIPTED — Awarded to a group of individuals that act as recurring principal talent in an unscripted series, including reality program subjects, judging panelists and contestants of competition shows. When entering a program with cast changes each season or series, the season being entered will be the talent reflected in this category.
BEST HOST OR PRESENTER, UNSCRIPTED — Awarded to a host, co-hosts or subject matter expert(s) who act as the lead host or presenter in an unscripted series. Co-hosts/presenters must be entered together and not split into separate entries.
BEST PRESENTER OR NARRATOR, NON-FICTION — Awarded to a host, co-hosts or subject matter expert(s) who act as the lead presenter or narrator in a non-fiction/documentary program or series. Co-presenters must be entered together and not split into separate entries.
GAME & QUIZ — In-studio game show formats that utilize tests of skill and/or knowledge as part of the game play.
LIFESTYLE — Competitions that are framed within lifestyle-oriented situations, such as cooking, home renovation, fashion, health and wellness, etc.
REALITY — Competitions shot in reality-style formats which can take place in professional/'in-the-field' settings or constructed within a special living environment.
TALENT/STUDIO-BASED — Competitions shot in-studio that focus on a particular talent or skill of contestants - singing, dancing, magic, physical or sports related competition, etc.
DOCUREALITY-STYLE FOOD — Documentary-style series or one-offs with presenter-led docu-narrative (such as food-oriented travelogues), as well as "best of" shows that feature cuisine experts and food establishments. Food must be a central element and focus of the story.
STUDIO-BASED FOOD — Food-focused, instructional programming shot in studio. Must be presenter-led, and food must be the central element of the program.
HOUSE & HOME (RENOVATION, ETC.) — Programming, shot either on location or in-studio, that has the home as its primary focus. Can be renovation/home makeover-oriented, have a real estate focus (house flipping, house hunting, etc.), or personal finance as it pertains to lifestyle and living arrangements.
TRAVEL & EXPLORATION — Programming, shot either on location or in-studio, that has travel and an exploration of global destinations as its primary focus. Includes lighter-fare shows that explore different regions of the world through a tourist lens, containing an equal exploration of food, culture, structures and landscapes. Food-oriented travelogues should be entered into the food category above. Programs with primarily a humanitarian or "social issues" slant should be considered for Social Issues & Current Affairs below.
ARTS & CULTURE — Non-fiction programs concerned with themes and/or subject matter focusing on issues, trends or individuals within the arts and culture sphere. Can be one-offs or series. Note that variety shows, concert films/specials without significant documentary reportage and awards shows are not eligible for this category.
CRIME & INVESTIGATION — Non-fiction projects concerned with themes and/or subject matter dealing with stories of criminal activity and/or the investigative efforts that ensue thereafter. Please note — if submitting a crime and investigation program that is part of a strand, please identify the episode title and the date it first aired within the strand. Crime shows primarily following a profession (i.e. policing, forensics, detective work) rather than actual criminal cases are better suited to the Docureality category below.
ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL HISTORY — Non-fiction projects concerned with themes or subject matter relating to the environment, wildlife, nature and natural history. Can be one-offs or series.
HISTORY & BIOGRAPHY — Non-fiction projects concerned with historical subjects, and biographies of historical figures. Note that for "living history" programming, entrants may consider other categories in the factual entertainment sub-genres that they feel may be more appropriate. Can be one-offs or series.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY — Non-fiction projects concerned with themes or subject matter relating to science, popular science, technology and medicine. Can be one-offs or series.
SOCIAL ISSUES & CURRENT AFFAIRS — Non-fiction projects concerned with themes and/or subject matter dealing with social issues, and non-fiction projects with subject matter pertaining to current world affairs, that are either one-offs or part of a strand. Please note — if submitting a current affairs project that is part of a strand, please identify the project and the date it first aired within the strand.
SPORTS DOCUMENTARY — Documentary-style series or one-offs concerned with historical or modern day sports stories, as well as biographies or profiles of athletic figures. Note that for reality-style sports programming or unscripted competition series involving sports elements, entrants should consider other categories in the unscripted entertainment sub-genres that they feel may be more appropriate (docureality, docusoap, reality competition, etc.). Does not include live sports programming, game coverage or specials, or daily news coverage.
DOCUSOAP — Lighter docureality fare, including celebreality, and 'soap opera'-styled situations, where characters are followed in a 'fly on the wall' manner.
DOCUREALITY — Grittier subject matter than a docusoap, a more topical exploration into the main subject(s). Examples may include a focus on professional activities, unique (non-artificial) living environments or sub-cultures.
STRUCTURED REALITY — Program or series that examines the actions or behaviors of individuals within the construct of a social experiment, situational template or constructed special living environment, structured reality programs where a competition/winner is determined should be entered into 'Reality Competition' above.
SHORT-FORM CONTENT — A short-form program/documentary or docuseries. One-offs or episodes entered should be no more than 20 minutes in length. This category includes lifestyle, non-fiction and reality short-form programming. This category does not include talk shows or news programming.
DIALOG AWARD — Selected from eligible program entries of the 2025 competition, the DIALOG (Diversity, Inclusion, Accountability, Learning, Opportunity, Growth) Award will be presented to honor a series, miniseries or one-off program that positively reflects diversity and inclusivity through its subject matter and casting, or provides a greater understanding of the topic, that educates and inspires positive change. There is no additional cost to enter this category. Please indicate the program's eligibility in the entry form when entering one of the categories above.
