Eligibility:
Films theatrically released in one major market for at least five days, between January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025. The submission deadline for the Below-the-Line categories is Monday, November 10, 2025.
Exceptions will be considered upon request to David Freedman: dfreedman@criticschoice.com.
Critics Choice Awards Below-The-Line Categories are:
- Cinematography
- Editing
- Costume Design
- Production Design
- Score
- Song
- Hair and Makeup
- Visual Effects
- Stunt Design (new for 2026)
- Casting (new for 2026)
- Sound (new for 2026)
Submission Instructions:
Entrants will submit the following materials:
-
- Basic information about the Submitter and the Entry (including submitter contact info, entry title, production company, theatrical premiere date, etc.).
- A logline of up to 50 words that describes the film.
- A representative photo. For all entries, a promotional still, with no text or logos.
- Optional – Recommended: Featurettes / Sizzle Reels Highlighting the Below-the-Line category submitted.
- Provide a digital link to the featurette or sizzle reel.
- Upload the video. Video requirements:
- Video: 1920×1080 progressive
- Codec: H.264
- Bit Rate: 6-8 MB
- Audio: AAC, stereo, 192-320kbps, 44-48 kHz
- MP4 format is preferred
- No timecodes
- No bars & tones
- No commercials, a few seconds of black is optional
- Slate is optional but preferred
- The file should be under 4GB
- File name must include: Film Title.
Entry Fees:
Single Entry Fee (for all categories): $190
Two Entries Fee (for all categories): $360
Three or more Entries Fee (for all categories): $480
Submissions close: November 10, 2025
Regarding payment, once you have completed ALL your submissions, please email support@criticschoice.com and arrange for payment via PayPal or credit card or to receive an invoice to pay by check.
In order send to send FYC information to members, please contact Kymber Allen at kymber@criticschoice.com.
Questions? Email David Freedman: dfreedman@criticschoice.com