Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Opens Call for Entries for 52nd Annual Gracie Awards
October 8, 2026 – The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) today announced that the Call for Entries is open for the 52nd Annual Gracie Awards. The Gracies recognize outstanding programming and individual achievement created by, for and about women across television, streaming, radio, podcasting and digital media.
“Each year, the Gracie Awards recognize work that does more than capture attention; it informs, entertains and ensures women’s voices and perspectives are seen and heard,” said Becky Brooks, President of AWMF. “The entries we receive reflect the breadth and impact of work reaching audiences across platforms and communities. We look forward to honoring the content that moved audiences in 2026 and continuing the Gracies’ long-standing investment in the people who will shape what comes next.”
The 2027 Call for Entries welcomes submissions from individuals, networks, production companies and organizations across the media landscape. Categories honor the work of journalists, actors, writers, producers, directors, showrunners, on-air talent, content creators and other professionals whose work advances compelling storytelling and representation.
National winners will be honored at the Gracies Gala on May 25, 2027, at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, California and local and student winners will be celebrated at the Gracies Luncheon on June 15, 2027, at Cipriani on 42nd Street in New York.
Returning as co-chairs of the 2027 Gracie Awards are Heather Cohen, President of The Weiss Agency; Annie Howell, Chief Communications Officer at Hallmark Media; and Mike McVay, President of McVay Media Consulting.
Key Submission Dates and Information
- Eligibility Period: January 1–December 31, 2026
- Early-Bird Entry Deadline: December 10, 2026
- Final Entry Deadline: January 21, 2027
For 2027, the Call for Entries includes several updates reflecting the evolving media landscape. Podcast entries will now be recognized in a dedicated Podcast division, separate from Digital Media. New categories include Digital/Social Short-Form Standalone Video or Series and Content Creator (Journalist/Reporter/Entertainment) in Digital Media; Video Podcast – Co-Host/Ensemble and Audio Documentary/Narrative Non-Fiction in Podcast; and Public Service Announcement or Community Engagement in Local Radio. The Video Podcast category has also been expanded into Lifestyle/Entertainment/Sports and News/Investigative/Education distinctions.
All information related to the Call for Entries including entry descriptions and full list of categories can be found here: Call For Entries
NCTA – The Internet and Television Association, in partnership with the AWM Foundation, is offering scholarships to cover the cost of a Gracie Awards entry for content creators. Scholarships are available to students and professionals.
The Gracie Awards are the largest fundraiser for AWMF, supporting educational programs, charitable activities and scholarships that advance women in media. Organizations and individuals interested in supporting the Foundation through sponsorship, participation or promotion may contact becky.brooks@allwomeninmedia.org.
About the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF): In 1960, the Alliance for Women in Media became the first professional broadcasting organization to establish an educational foundation. The AWMF supports and promotes educational programs, charitable activities and scholarships to benefit the public and media industry. The Foundation also produces nationally acclaimed recognition programs, including the Gracie Awards®, honoring exemplary programming created by, for or about women and individual achievement. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, educational organization. For the latest news on the Gracies, follow The Gracies on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. For more information visit www.allwomeninmedia.org/gracies.
About The Gracie Awards: The Gracie Awards is the largest fundraiser of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation which advances women in media through educational programs and scholarships. The Gracie Awards honors exemplary programming and individual talent created by, for and about women. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has created partnerships and joint initiatives with the Emma Bowen Foundation, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), NCTA – The Internet & Television Association and other organizations that are philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation. For more information about The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation and the Gracie Awards please visit allwomeninmedia.org. For the latest news on the Gracies, follow The Gracies on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.
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Media Contact:
Jenny Rayyan
859.514.3008
jennyrayyan@allwomeninmedia.org