CHARACTERS Awards

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Welcome to the Characters Awards, the exciting new international awards show presented by Characters Magazine!

This groundbreaking online event takes place every month, celebrating the very best in acting, filmmaking, and electronic music from creators around the world. Characters Magazine, the online publication available worldwide on Amazon, brings together outstanding performances and cutting-edge music in one prestigious ceremony.

Every month we honor excellence in categories including Music Videos, Electronic Music tracks, DJ performances, Short Films, and our signature character-driven categories such as Best Hero, Best Villain, Best Lead Actor & Actress, Best Supporting Actor & Actress, Best On-Screen Kiss, Best Action Character, and many more.

All winners and selected nominees will be featured in an exclusive interview with Characters Magazine, with a full article published about them in the magazine.

The monthly winners will then compete at the end of the year to be crowned the best of the best during our special annual gala. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this global celebration of talent!

"Each winner will receive an official certificate endorsed by Characters Magazine. All results will be officially published both on the Characters Magazine blog and in the magazine itself.

In addition, winners will be featured in an exclusive interview and will have a dedicated article published about them in Characters Magazine.

The total prize package for each winner has an estimated value of $150 USD."

Characters Awards – Official Categories

Film & Acting Categories

- Best Short Film (up to 25 minutes)
- Best Music Video
- Best Director
- Best Actor / Actress
- Best Supporting Actor / Actress
- Best Hero / Villain
- Best On-Screen Kiss
- Best Emerging Talent
- Best Ensemble Cast
- Best Cinematography
- Best Original Score
- Best Screenplay
- Best Animation Short

AI Categories

- Best Ai Short
- Best Ai Song

Electronic Music Categories

- Best EDM Track
- Best House Track
- Best Trance Track
- Best DJ / Producer
- Best DJ Mix

Rules & Regulations

- There are no premiere restrictions. Entries may have been previously submitted to other festivals, shown online, or have already won awards.
- Submissions can be from any year or date of creation. There is no time restriction.
- All registration fees are non-refundable. Once payment is made, participants cannot withdraw from the competition.
- Submissions for each monthly edition close on the 25th of every month.
- Winners will be announced on the last day of each month.
- A new submission period begins on the 1st of the following month.

Add to List

Dates & Deadlines

June 17, 2026
Opening Date
June 30, 2026
Final Deadline
June 30, 2026
Notification Date
June 30, 2026
Event Date

Categories & Fees

Best Short Film (up to 25 minutes)
This category celebrates the best short films with a maximum runtime of 25 minutes. We are looking for powerful storytelling, strong direction, and outstanding performances that leave a lasting impact in a short amount of time. Whether dramatic, comedic, thrilling, or experimental, this award honors the most compelling short films from around the world.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $22
- Student: $16
- Gold Members: $18
Submit Now
Best Animation Short
This category celebrates the best animated short film (up to 25 minutes). We are looking for exceptional creativity, masterful animation techniques, compelling storytelling, and unique visual styles. Whether 2D, 3D, stop-motion, experimental, or hybrid animation, the winning entry will stand out for its artistic vision, technical excellence, emotional impact, and ability to bring imaginary worlds to life.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $17
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $14
Submit Now
Best Ai Short
This category celebrates the best short film (up to 25 minutes) created with the use of Artificial Intelligence tools. We are looking for exceptional creativity, innovative use of AI technology, compelling storytelling, and high artistic quality. Whether fully AI-generated, AI-assisted, or hybrid productions, the winning entry will stand out for its originality, visual innovation, emotional impact, and how effectively it uses AI to push the boundaries of filmmaking.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $17
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $14
Submit Now
Best Music Video
This category recognizes the most creative, visually stunning, and impactful music videos in the electronic music scene. We are looking for original concepts, exceptional direction, strong cinematography, and perfect synchronization between music and visuals. The winning video will be the one that best captures the essence of the track and stands out as a true artistic piece.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $17
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $14
Submit Now
Best Director
This category recognizes the most outstanding directorial work in a short film. The winning director will be the one who demonstrates exceptional storytelling, strong visual style, creative vision, and the ability to deliver a powerful and cohesive short film. This award honors the director’s unique artistic voice and technical mastery.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $17
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $14
Submit Now
Best Actor/Actress
This category honors the most outstanding lead performance in a short film. The winner will be recognized for delivering a powerful, authentic, and memorable performance that captures the emotional depth of the character and elevates the entire film. We are looking for exceptional acting skills, range, and screen presence.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $17
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $14
Submit Now
Best Supporting Actor/Actress
This category recognizes the most outstanding supporting performance in a short film. The winner will be the actor or actress who delivers a memorable, nuanced, and impactful performance in a supporting role. We are looking for performers who bring depth, emotion, and strong presence to their characters, greatly enhancing the story.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $17
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $14
Submit Now
Best Hero - Best Villain
This category celebrates the most memorable and compelling character portrayals in a short film. Whether heroic or villainous, the winner will be the performer who brings their character to life with depth, charisma, and strong screen presence. We are looking for iconic performances that make the hero inspiring or the villain truly unforgettable.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $17
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $14
Submit Now
Best On-Screen Kiss
This category celebrates the most passionate, emotional, and memorable on-screen kiss in a short film. We are looking for chemistry, tension, tenderness, and authenticity between the performers. The winning kiss will be the one that feels real, emotionally charged, and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $17
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $14
Submit Now
Best Emerging Talent
This category recognizes the most promising new actor or actress in a short film. We are looking for fresh, standout performances that show exceptional potential, natural talent, and strong screen presence. This award honors rising stars who deliver memorable performances and show the brightest future in acting.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $17
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $14
Submit Now
Best Ensemble Cast
This category honors the best overall group performance by the entire cast in a short film. We are looking for outstanding chemistry between the actors, strong individual performances that complement each other, and a cohesive team effort that elevates the story. This award celebrates perfect harmony and collaboration among the cast.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $17
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $14
Submit Now
Best Cinematography
This category recognizes the most outstanding visual work in a short film. The winner will be honored for exceptional camera work, lighting, composition, framing, and overall visual storytelling. We are looking for cinematography that is both technically excellent and artistically compelling, creating a powerful visual experience.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $17
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $14
Submit Now
Best Original Score
This category recognizes the best original music composed specifically for a short film. The winning score will be honored for its ability to enhance the emotional impact of the story, create atmosphere, and perfectly complement the visuals. We are looking for original, memorable, and well-crafted musical compositions that elevate the entire film.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $17
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $14
Submit Now
Best Electronic Song
This category celebrates the best original Electronic track of the month. We are looking for outstanding production quality, strong musicality, creativity, and sonic impact. The winning track should represent the highest level of artistry and professionalism within the electronic music scene. All subgenres of electronic music are welcome.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $17
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $14
Submit Now
Best Song
Best Song This category awards the best original song of the month, regardless of genre. We are looking for the most memorable, well-crafted, and emotionally powerful track. The winning song will stand out for its composition, production quality, vocal performance (if applicable), and overall impact on the listener.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $17
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $14
Submit Now
Best EDM Track
This category celebrates the best Electronic Dance Music (EDM) track of the month. We are looking for high-energy productions with infectious drops, powerful melodies, strong festival appeal, and professional-level sound design. The winning track will stand out for its creativity, production quality, and ability to move audiences on the dancefloor.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $17
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $14
Submit Now
Best House Track
This category celebrates the best House music track of the month. We are looking for grooves that truly move the soul — infectious basslines, smooth rhythms, elegant melodies, and high-quality production. The winning track will stand out for its musicality, dancefloor energy, atmosphere, and overall professionalism in the House genre.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $17
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $14
Submit Now
Best Ai Song
This category celebrates the best original song created with the use of Artificial Intelligence tools. We are looking for exceptional creativity, innovative application of AI in composition, vocals, production, or sound design, along with strong musicality, emotional depth, and overall sonic quality. Whether fully AI-generated, AI-assisted, or hybrid creations, the winning track will stand out for its originality, artistic vision, and how effectively it pushes the boundaries of music through AI technology. All genres are welcome.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $17
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $14
Submit Now
Best Trance Track
This category celebrates the best Trance track of the month. We are looking for uplifting melodies, hypnotic rhythms, powerful builds, emotional breakdowns, and euphoric drops that define the genre. The winning track will stand out for its musicality, emotional journey, production quality, and ability to create that signature trance energy and euphoria.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $17
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $14
Submit Now
Best DJ Producer
This category recognizes the best DJ and/or Producer of the month. We are looking for outstanding artistry, technical skill, creativity, and innovation in both performance and music production. The winner will be the artist who demonstrates exceptional talent in creating, mixing, and delivering electronic music that stands out in today’s scene. Whether through original productions, electrifying DJ sets, or a combination of both, this award honors the complete artist who is pushing the electronic music culture forward.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $17
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $14
Submit Now
Best DJ Mix
This category celebrates the best DJ mix of the month. We are looking for exceptional technical skill, seamless transitions, creative track selection, energy flow, and the ability to take the listener on a captivating musical journey. The winning mix will stand out for its professionalism, originality, flawless execution, and the unique vibe or story it creates through blending tracks. Whether it’s a club set, radio mix, festival set, or studio mix, this award honors the art of DJing at the highest level.
- Final Deadline
- Standard: $17
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $14
Submit Now

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