AICP Awards User Guide
- Create an AICP Awards Entry Site Account
- Create A New Entry
- Entry Management Page
- Adding a Single Entry into Multiple Categories
- Finalizing Entries
- Checkout Page
- Supporting Material
How to Enter the AICP Awards
Create an AICP Awards Entry Site Account -
- Go to https://aicpawards.awardcore.com
- Click "Sign In/Register" in the upper left-hand corner.
- Note - You will need to create a new account on the AICP Awards Entry Site each year.
- Fill in the required fields to create your new account then click "Submit."
Create A New Entry
- Click "Create A New Entry" https://aicpawards.awardcore.com/newEntry
- Check the two text boxes to accept the Terms & Conditions.
- Next, scroll down and select the AICP Awards Category you would like to enter.
- Categories are listed for the AICP Next Awards, the AICP Post Awards, and the AICP Show: The Art & Technique of the Commercial.
- You can view category descriptions by clicking the "More" link to the right of each category in the list.
- Then scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Submit."
- Fill in the credit information for your entry.
- Any field with a pink asterisk (*) indicates a mandatory credit.
- If a mandatory credit doesn't apply to your entry, enter N/A.
- If your work is shortlisted in its category and qualifies for final judging, you will be notified to go back into the entry website to review, add, and finalize credits.
Note - Entrants also have the option to import information directly from Source Creative by clicking on the "Source One-Click" icon at the top of the page.
- Review the video file technical specifications, then scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Choose File."
- If you are not ready to upload your video, you can click "Upload Later."
Note - You also have the option to "Import credits from EntryBot encoded file"
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EntryBot is an outside service that can help you format your video file to the above technical specifications if needed.
- After you have selected your file, click "Upload"
- A pop-up window will appear.
- Note -Your video file must not have any of the following or it will be rejected during the Quality Check (QC) process:
- Slate
- Countdown
- 2 pop (ex. the pop noise and 2 seconds of black before the spot begins)
- Credits
- Click "Upload" and a progress bar will appear.
- When your video is done uploading, you will return to the Entries page and your entry will now appear in the "Pending Entries" section.
Entry Management Page
- In the Pending Entries section, on the right-hand side of your entry under "Action," you have the following options:
- Edit - Make changes to your pending entry
- Add to Other Categories - Click this button if you would like to submit this entry into multiple categories.
- Entrants can submit a single entry into multiple categories across all three AICP Awards shows. Discounted entry fee pricing is available if you enter a single entry into three or more categories.
- All entries must be finalized at the same time in order to receive the discount pricing.
- Delete - Delete your pending entry
Adding a Single Entry into Multiple Categories
- Click "Add to Other Categories" on the pending entry you would like to submit into another category.
- On the next page, check off the category/categories that you would like to add your pending entry into.
- You can enter a single entry into multiple categories across all the AICP Awards shows.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Submit."
- On the next page, you will now see all of your pending entries for the categories that you selected. If an entry is highlighted in yellow, it means the entry is missing required information.
- Mandatory credits will vary depending on the category.
- For example, a Sound Design category will require the credit information for the Sound Designer.
- To add in the missing information, click "Edit". You will then return to the credits page where you can enter the missing information.
- When you are finished, click "Submit" to return to the Entries page.
Finalizing Entries
- When you are ready to finalize your entries, check off the entries you would like to finalize.
- Then click "Finalize Entry." You will then be taken to the Order page.
- You will see a breakdown of your entry and upload fees for your order.
- You can view the Entry Fees for the AICP Awards on the "Eligibility/Fees" page of the AICP Awards Entry Site.
Checkout Page
- At the top of the page there is a breakdown of your entry and upload fees for your order.
- You can view the Entry Fees for the AICP Awards on the "Eligibility/Fees" page of the AICP Awards Entry Site.
- You can pay your Entry Fees using the following payment methods:
- Credit Card - Credit card orders will be assessed a 3.25% processing fee.
- Check
- Wire Transfer - Sender is responsible for all wire transfer fees from the Sender's bank.
- Once you have selected your payment method, click "Submit."
- If you select pay by Credit Card, you will be asked for your card information.
- Your payment address must exactly match the address on file with your financial institution.
- If you select pay by Check, you will be taken to an Order Information page that will provide you with instructions on where to mail your check.
- If you select pay by Wire Transfer, you will be taken to an Order Information page that will provide you with wire transfer instructions.
- You will then receive an email with your Entry Order receipt.
Important Payment Notes - All payments must be received by AICP by the Entry Deadline or late fees will be incurred.
If your payment is not received by the Late Entry Deadline, your submissions will not be entered into the AICP Awards.
Supporting Material -
Attaching Supporting Material to an Entry
- After you have created your entry, click the corresponding Supporting Materials option on the right-hand side of the entry under the "Action" column.
- Depending on the category, the option could be:
- Add/Update PDF of Script or Board
- Add/Update "Making Of"
- When you click on one of the above options, you will be taken to an upload page.
- Click "Choose File," and select the "Making of" or CGI/VFX Breakdown video that you would like to upload. Then click "Upload."
- You will see a progress bar and then return to the Entries page.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page to the "Technical Explanation" field and enter your description there. Then click "Submit."
Entrants can add Supporting Material to entries in specific categories in the AICP Show and AICP Post Awards.
Note - Supporting Materials must not include any credits or the name of individuals or the facilities that created the work.
Supporting Material Types
- "Making of" video
- Video should not exceed 2 minutes
- CGI Breakdown Video
- Video should not exceed 2 minutes
- Written Explanation
- A written explanation should not exceed 300 words.
- Submit your written explanation on the entry page. Write the description in advance and copy and paste it into the text box on the entry form.
- PDF of Script or Boards
AICP Post Awards - Supporting Material Categories
- CGI - "Making Of" Video or CGI Breakdown Video, and/or Written Explanation.
- Character Design - "Making Of" Video or CGI Breakdown Video, and/or Written Explanation.
- Compositing - "Making Of" Video or CGI Breakdown Video, and/or Written Explanation.
- Motion Graphics & Design - "Making Of" Video or CGI Breakdown Video, and/or Written Explanation.
AICP Show - Supporting Material Categories
- Animation - "Making Of" video.
- Concept - Scripts or Boards.
- Design - "Making Of" video.
- Production Design - "Making Of" Video or Written Explanation.
- Visual Effects - "Making Of" Video.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Eligibility Questions
- Entry Process Questions
- Credit Questions
- Payment Questions
- Shortlist Or Honored Work Questions
- Other Questions
Eligibility Questions
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Is there a Running Time Limit for entries?There are no running time limits for most categories in the AICP Awards.
There are specified time limits in the Audio Mix, Sound Design, Color, and two Editorial categories in the AICP Post Awards. If the entry's running time does not meet the requirement it will be disqualified.
AICP reserves the right to request a cut down of winning pieces for screening purposes. The full piece in its entirety will be included in the film archives of The Museum of Modern Art and will appear on the AICP Awards Archive Websites.
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Does an entry have to have 'aired' to be eligible?Yes! An airing is defined as a commercial release, commissioned by a client, for television, theater, Internet, mobile phone, or any other medium/screen able to deliver motion picture imagery.
Work must have first aired/launched between Wednesday, March 5, 2025 - Tuesday, March 17th, 2026 to be eligible to be entered.
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Do I have to be an AICP Member in order to enter the AICP Awards?No. All are welcome to enter the AICP Awards regardless of AICP Membership status.
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Who can enter the AICP Awards?Everyone - Brands, Agencies, Production Companies, Post Production Companies, Artists, etc. - can enter the AICP Awards.
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Can I submit a director's or editor's cut?No. The work entered must be exactly as "aired." An airing is defined as a commercial release, commissioned by a client, for television, theater, Internet, mobile phone, or any other medium/screen able to deliver motion picture imagery.
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Can I submit a spec commercial?No, with the exception of the Student Commercial category.
The work must have "aired." An airing is defined as a commercial release, commissioned by a client, for television, theater, Internet, mobile phone, or any other medium/screen able to deliver motion picture imagery.
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Can I submit entries after the deadline?
Entries will not be accepted after the deadlines without confirmation from AICP.
- To request an extension for the AICP Show and Next Awards, please email katiem@aicp.com.
- No late entries for the Student Category will be accepted after Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 at 11:59pm/23:59 U.S. Pacific Time (PT)
- To request an extension for the AICP Post Awards, please email shannonm@aicp.com.
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Which categories can Music Videos be entered into?
Music Videos can be be entered in the following categories:
AICP Post Awards:
- Color Grading: Music Video
- Music Video (Editorial Category)
AICP Show:
- Music Video
A music video that integrates the promotion of a brand, may be entered into any category including Music Video.
Entry Process Questions
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What are the entry deadlines?Entry Deadline: Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 at 11:59pm/23:59 U.S. Pacific Time (PT)
Late Entry Deadline: Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 at 11:59pm/23:59 U.S. Pacific Time (PT)
Late fees apply except for entries with a first air/launch date between March 11th, 2026 - March 17th, 2026 -
What are the Entry Fees?
- AICP Awards Entry Fees - All entry and late fees are in U.S. Dollars (USD)
- Single Entry - 1-2 Categories
- $395 Per Category
- Single Entry - 3-4 Categories
- $345 Per Category
- Single Entry - 5 or more Categories
- $325 Per Category
- AICP Next Awards Branded Content & Entertainment: Series/Episodic (Must submit 1 Episode. Can include a Case Study, Trailer, and/or 9 additional Episodes)
- AICP Next Awards Integrated Campaign Entry (1 Case Study)
- AICP Post Awards National Campaign Entry (2-3 Spots)
- AICP Show Advertising Excellence/Campaign Entry (2-3 Spots)
- Per Video File Upload
- A Video can be uploaded then entered into multiple categories without incurring additional upload fees.
Single Entry Pricing:
To receive the above bulk pricing discount, the single entry must be finalized in all its categories at the same time.
This pricing discount allows entries to be finalized in categories across all three AICP Awards Shows.
Late fees will be applied to late entry fee payments that are received after the deadline. Please keep this in mind if you are planning to pay by check or wire transfer. There are no exceptions.Campaign Entry Pricing: $695 Per Campaign Entry
Pricing applies to the following Campaign Categories:
Upload File Fee: $55
Student Commercial Category - There is no entry fee or upload fee for the Student Commercial category.
No Student Commercial Entries will be accepted after Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 at 11:59pm/23:59 U.S. Pacific Time (PT).
What are the Late Entry Fees?- Entries finalized after Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 at 11:59pm/23:59 U.S. Pacific Time (PT) are subject to a $85 per entry late fee.
- Single Entry - 1-2 Categories
- $480 Per Category
- Single Entry - 3-4 Categories
- $430 Per Category
- Single Entry - 5 or more Categories
- $410 Per Category
- AICP Next Awards Branded Content & Entertainment: Series/Episodic (Must submit 1 Episode. Can include a Case Study, Trailer, and/or 9 additional Episodes)
- AICP Next Awards Integrated Campaign Entry (1 Case Study)
- AICP Post Awards National Campaign Entry (2-3 Spots)
- AICP Show Advertising Excellence/Campaign Entry (2-3 Spots)
- Per Video File Upload
- A Video can be uploaded then entered into multiple categories without incurring additional upload fees.
Late fees apply except for entries with a first air/launch date between March 11th, 2026 - March 17th, 2026
Single Entry Pricing:
To receive the above bulk pricing discount, the single entry must be finalized in all its categories at the same time.
This pricing discount allows entries to be finalized in categories across all three AICP Awards Shows.Campaign Entry Pricing: $780 Per Campaign Entry
Pricing applies to the following Campaign Categories:
Upload File Fee: $55
Can I enter work into multiple categories?-
Yes! You can enter a single video entry into multiple categories across all three AICP Award Shows.
The video only needs to be uploaded once (for a $55 upload fee). After entering the first category, you will have the option to "Add to Other Categories."
After selecting your additional categories, your entry will be added to those categories and import the existing credits. Depending on which additional categories you enter, you may need to add in additional mandatory credits for that category.
There are discounted per category entry fees available if you enter a single entry into 3 or more categories. All category entries must be finalized at the same time in order to receive this discount. Please see the "Entry Fees" page for further pricing details.Can we enter case studies?- Case studies can ONLY be entered into the AICP Next Awards in the following categories:
- Branded Content & Entertainment: Standalone/Single Execution
- Branded Content & Entertainment: Series/Episodic
- Creative Commerce
- Creative Data
- Digital Experiences
- Experiential
- Influencer
- Innovation
- Integrated Campaign
- Public Relations
- Purpose Driven
- Social/Real Time Engagement
- If the work is honored, the case study that is entered will be publicly available on the AICP Awards Shortlist Site and AICP Awards Archive Site and will be archived in The Museum of Modern Art's Department of Film Archive.
- Case studies cannot be replaced after judging. There will be no exceptions.
Case studies cannot be entered into the AICP Post Awards and AICP Show. Only the work as aired can be entered.
The case study that is entered will be the one that is judged.
Can we include the actual piece in our case study?-
Yes. If you would like to include the actual piece in the case study, we recommend including it at the end of the case study.
Can I include additional materials with my entry?-
You can include additional Supporting Materials depending on the category. Supporting Materials are optional and not required.
- AICP Post Awards
- CGI - "Making Of" Video or CGI Breakdown Video, and/or Written Explanation.
- Character Design - "Making Of" Video or CGI Breakdown Video, and/or Written Explanation.
- Compositing - "Making Of" Video or CGI Breakdown Video, and/or Written Explanation.
- Motion Graphics & Design - "Making Of" Video or CGI Breakdown Video, and/or Written Explanation.
- AICP Show
- Animation - "Making Of" video.
- Concept - Scripts or Boards.
- Design - "Making Of" video.
- Production Design - "Making Of" Video or Written Explanation.
- Visual Effects - "Making Of" video.
- "Making Of" Video - Not to exceed 2 minutes.
- CGI Breakdown Video - Not to exceed 2 minutes.
- Written Explanation - Not to exceed 300 words. Submit your written explanation on the entry page. Write the description in advance and copy and paste it into the text box on the entry form.
- Script or Boards - PDF versions.
Categories Accepting Supporting Materials:
Supporting Materials must not include any credits or the names of the individuals or facilities that created the work.How can I submit multiple episodes into the Branded Content & Entertainment: Series/Episodic category?-
We recommend stitching all episodes into one video with one second of black in between to submit as one entry. If you have file size concerns, you can submit a H.264 version of the file. Please see the Technical Specs page for full details.
Can you tell me which categories to enter my work into?-
No. We leave it up to the entrant to enter the categories that they believe resonates best with their piece of work.
We recommend that you think strategically and review the category descriptions for all three AICP Awards shows to help with your decision.What does finalize mean?-
When you finalize your entries, that means you have submitted and paid for your entries. No other changes can be made after you finalize. Your entries will then be quality checked prior to judging.
If something needs to be corrected, please contact AICP.
AICP Next Awards - Next@aicp.com
AICP Post Awards - postawards@aicp.com
AICP Show - Show@aicp.comCan I change the thumbnail image for my entry?-
If your work is shortlisted, you will have the opportunity to change the thumbnail image for your entry.
Credit Questions
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What are the mandatory credits for each entry?
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In order to streamline the entry process, only a few mandatory credits are required across all categories. For example: Advertising Agency, Production Company, Brand, etc.
Mandatory credits also shift depending on the category. For example, the Sound Design categories will require the Sound Designer credit.
If you see a mandatory credit that doesn't apply to your entry, please enter "NA."
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How do I enter more credits?
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You can add multiple people on each line separated by semicolons into the additional custom credit lines. For example:
Social Media Manager: Jane Doe; Branding Consultant: John Smith
If your work is shortlisted in its category and qualifies for final judging, you will be contacted and instructed to go back into the entry website to review, add, and finalize credits.
All credits submitted will be included on the AICP Awards Archive site. The AICP Awards Screening Reels and AICP Awards Program Book will only include mandatory credits. AICP reserves the right to adjust credits, as necessary.
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Who can make changes to credits?
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Only the entrant can submit credits or make changes to credits. This is the benefit of being an entrant.
Any changes to shortlisted credits after the credit finalization deadline will be made only if feasible.
Credit changes to the AICP Awards Archive website can be accommodated with proper documentation.
AICP is not responsible for inaccurately entered credits or airdates.
Payment Questions
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Can I pay by wire transfer?
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Wire transfers for entries finalized before Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 must be received by Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 or late fees will be incurred.
Wire transfers for entries finalized by the Late Entry Deadline must be received by Wednesday, March 25th, 2026.
If payment is not received prior to the start of the judging period, the entries will be removed from consideration.
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Can I pay by credit card?
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Yes, you can pay by credit card. A 3.25% processing fee is added to all credit card transactions. All payments will be made through the entry site.
If you encounter any issues paying by credit card, please email show@aicp.com for assistance.
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Can I pay by check?
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Yes, you can pay by check. Checks for entries finalized before Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 must be received by Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 or late fees will be incurred.
Checks for entries finalized by the Late Entry Deadline must be received by Wednesday, March 25th, 2026.
If payment is not received prior to the start of the judging period, the entries will be removed from consideration.
Shortlist or Honored Work Questions
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How many pieces can win in each category?
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This depends on the AICP Award Show.
AICP Next Awards - There may be one, two, or three honored pieces in each category in the AICP Next Awards.
AICP Post Awards - There will only be one honoree in each category in the AICP Post Awards.
AICP Show - There may be one, two, or three honored pieces in each category in the AICP Show, with the exception of the Advertising Excellence, Advertising Excellence/Campaign, and Best New Director categories where there can only be one honoree.
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Is there a Best of Show Winner for each AICP Awards show?
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Yes and the "Best of Show" title varies by AICP Awards show.
AICP Next Awards - "Most Next" is chosen from the winning work in all categories of the AICP Next Awards. The entrant who submitted the Most Next winner directs a $5,000 grant from the AICP Foundation to an arts and/or educational organization of their choosing.
AICP Post Awards - "Best of Show" is chosen from the winning work in all categories of the AICP Post Awards.
AICP Show - The winners of "Advertising Excellence" and "Advertising Excellence/Campaign" are the Best of Show winners in the AICP Show. The winning work is chosen from all of the entries submitted into each of those categories.
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Will I be notified if my entry has been Shortlisted?
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The AICP Awards Shortlist will be announced in Late April 2026. Shortlisted entrants will be contacted so they can review, add, and finalize their entry credits.
Shortlisted AICP Next Awards and AICP Show entrants will have the opportunity to purchase a metal Shortlist plaque showing off their shortlisted status.
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If my work is Shortlisted, what credits will be visible on the AICP Awards Shortlist website?
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The credits on the AICP Awards Shortlist are limited and vary depending on the category the work is shortlisted in.
Production Company and Advertising Agency are the most common credits for AICP Next Awards and AICP Show Categories.
AICP Post Awards Shortlist credits are often the Artist/Editor and their Company.
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Will I be notified if my entry is a winner?
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Yes. After the AICP Awards have premiered, you will be notified and sent a social media badge to highlight your winner status.
If your work is honored in the AICP Next Awards or AICP Show, you will receive a metal Honoree plaque highlighting your honored work and its credits.
If your work is honored in the AICP Post Awards, you will receive a trophy highlighting your honored work.
Additional AICP Next Awards and AICP Show plaques and AICP Post Awards trophies are available for purchase and can be customized.
Have a question not listed above?
For the AICP Next Awards - contact next@aicp.com
For the AICP Post Awards - contact postawards@aicp.com
For the AICP Show - contact Show@aicp.com