Reel Awards Rules

Rules, Regulations, and Eligibility (Google Doc)

Reel Awards Voting

The Reel Awards will take place on Sunday, March 7, 2021. After I release the films that are eligible for awards consideration on January 4th, Patrons will be the first to vote on Reel Awards nominees in preferential order in each category starting on January 7th. Patrons of all levels will be eligible. Starting January 14th, all people who wish to vote will be able to on austinb.media. All ballots that are cast are due by February 4th. Any ballots cast after this date will not be tabulated nor will they be considered valid.

FAQ

When will Reel Awards nominations be announced?

The 2021 Reel Awards nominations will be announced on January 6th, 2022.

What makes a film eligible for a Reel Award?

A Google Doc outlining Reel Awards rules, regulations, and eligibility requirements is available at the top of this page.

What is the Reel Awards nominations process?

It's a process that begins in late fall and runs right up until the nominees are announced. All eligible submitted films are distributed and discussed on a monthly basis. The nominees in each category are determined a day before the nomination announcement.

What are the categories?

• Best Documentary

• Best International Film

• Best Overall Film

• Best Debut Film

• Best Debut Screenplay

• Best Screenplay

• Best Director

• Best Cinematography

• Best Costume Design

• Best Effects

• Best Editing

• Best Hairstyling

• Best Makeup

• Best Production Design

• Best Song

• Best Score

• Best Soundtrack

• Best Sound

• Best Stunts

• Best Lead

• Best Supporting

• Best Debut Actor

What are the qualifying festivals for the Reel Awards?

Every single one.

How do the Reel Awards distinguish between an American production and an international production?

The Reel Awards defines an "American production" as:

A film that features director(s), writer(s), or producers in which United States citizens or permanent residents of the United States are credited. This can be fulfilled by one person with multiple credits or by separate individuals.

An "International production" is defined as:

A film that features director(s), writer(s), or producers in which citizens outside the United States or permanent residents of a country outside the United States are credited. This can be fulfilled by one person with multiple credits or by separate individuals.

Is an International production eligible for all categories?

Yes. Both American and International productions are eligible for awards consideration.

Can I invite you to a screening of my film or send you materials?

Yes. You can send press materials or screeners to awards@austinb.media.

Once the nominees are selected, who determines the winners of the Reel Awards?

A third-party tabulation service will be unveiled on January 7th.

Can I attend the ceremony?

Sadly, no. For the 2021 Reel Awards, Austin B Media is going to host a pre-recorded ceremony that will livestream on Saturday, March 5th, 2022.

I've read this full FAQ and still have questions. Who do I contact?

Absolutely! Send us an email at awards@austinb.media.