AWMF Opens Entries for 52nd Annual Gracie Awards

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 10:53am CT

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) has opened the call for entries for the 52nd Annual Gracie Awards, recognizing outstanding programming and individual achievement created by, for and about women across television, streaming, radio, podcasting and digital media.

The 2027 awards will honor work produced between January 1 and December 31, 2026. The early-bird submission deadline is December 10, 2026, with a final deadline of January 21, 2027.

"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 AWMF President Becky Brooks. "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."

Several changes have been introduced for 2027, including the establishment of a dedicated Podcast division separate from Digital Media. New podcast categories include Video Podcast - Co-Host/Ensemble and Audio Documentary/Narrative Non-Fiction. The Video Podcast category has also been expanded to distinguish between Lifestyle/Entertainment/Sports and News/Investigative/Education programming.

For radio broadcasters, a new Public Service Announcement or Community Engagement category has been added to Local Radio. Additional categories recognize digital and social short-form video and content creators.

National winners will be honored at the Gracies Gala on May 25, 2027, at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, CA. Local and student winners will be recognized at the Gracies Luncheon on June 15, 2027, at Cipriani on 42nd Street in New York.

Returning as co-chairs are Heather Cohen, President of The Weiss Agency; Annie Howell, Chief Communications Officer at Hallmark Media; and Mike McVay, President of McVay Media Consulting.

NCTA - The Internet & Television Association, in partnership with AWMF, will also offer scholarships covering entry fees for eligible student and professional content creators.

The Gracie Awards serve as AWMF's largest annual fundraiser, supporting educational programs, scholarships and initiatives advancing women in media.