The Apollo Awards are the most prestigious recognition in the vertical drama space. The first peer-jury awards program dedicated exclusively to the vertical screen.

Presented by the International Academy of Vertical Arts (IAVA), the Apollo Awards recognize outstanding achievement across 15 categories, judged by specialist branch juries of working industry professionals.

Nominees are determined by professionals within each discipline; directors judging directors, writers judging writers and winners are selected by the full jury in a second round of voting.

Gala Awards Night - May 10, 2026 in Hollywood

Rules & Terms

Format: Originally produced in a 9:16 aspect ratio for vertical viewing —with a run of 45 to 90 episodes.

Release window: First released on any vertical app or YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, between January 1, 2025 and April 20, 2026.

Language: English only.

Ownership: Submitter must hold full rights or have written authorization from all rights holders. Co-productions are eligible with signed authorization from all parties.

Submission limit: Maximum 10 projects per account.