The CALIFORNIA MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS celebrate some of the most year's exciting and creative music videos, music, musicians, artists, films and directors. They honor great work and excellence.

The music & film industry have an undeniable connection to California. Sometimes it's the passion, sometimes it's the vision, sometimes it's the style, and sometimes it's the sound. That is the reason for the CALIFORNIA MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS.

Entries do not need to be from a California artist, but should be music videos, films or docs from the most recent 12 months.

The awards accept music videos, music films, and documentaries.

The awards were originally launched by TasteTV’s music television series, MUSIC CALIFORNIA. The MUSIC CALIFORNIA television series reaches over 80 million households across the United States. The program brings a festival of music to viewers, and includes featured music videos and interviews from bands, artists, and musicians.

The CALIFORNIA MUSIC VIDEO & FILM AWARDS annual show takes place in one of San Francisco’s unique music venue, and is an amazing evening bringing together music videos, musician appearances, fans, and of course music video awards

Finalists may also be broadcast on the MUSIC CALIFORNIA television series, and will be announced in January.

CALIFORNIA MUSIC VIDEO & FILM AWARDS event is in February in San Francisco, where they will be screened and presented with their awards trophy.

Segments from winners and honorees work are screened at the event.

The awards include a reception for networking, photography, mingling, interviews and socializing over wine and cocktails.

Portions of the program may be filmed for broadcast on local television stations nationally, reaching millions of households.

SAMPLE AWARD CATEGORIES INCLUDE:

- Best Male Solo Artist
- Best Female Solo Artist
- Best Band
- Best Movement (Choreography)
- Best Eye (Cinematography)
- Coolest Effects
- Lyrics and Verse
- Hottest of them All
- Made Me Laugh (Humor)
- Most California
- Best Music Video
- Best Transgender Solo Artist (if applicable)
- Viewers Choice Awards
- Best Short Music Film or Documentary
- Best Feature Music Film or Documentary
- Best Filmed at Home
- Dance Video, Film or Documentary
- Best Dance Crew
- Best Music Podcast
- Best Producer
- Best Director
- Best Multi Camera Production
- Best Single Camera Production
- Best Student Production
- Best TikTok Video (NEW)
- Best Music Video Actor or Actress (NEW)
- Best of Asia Music Video (NEW)
- Best of Europe Music Video (NEW)
- Best of Oceania Music Video (NEW)
- Best of South and Central America Music Video (NEW)
- Best of Canada (NEW)

TOPICS:
Entries do not need to be from a California artist, but should be music videos, films or docs from the most recent 12 months.

WHO CAN SUBMIT A NOMINATION

– Nominations can be submitted by any associate of the program.
– Eligible associates include hosts, producers, production companies, studios, channels, networks, web platforms, sponsors, managers, agents, publicists, representatives, distributors and device systems.
– By submitting a program or content, the entrant warrants that they have the authority to do so, including all relevant licensing and permits.
– Original broadcast or release dates must be between October 2023 – October 2024.

SUBMISSION PROCESS

– To submit a nomination, please complete the Entry Form
– On the Entry form, an online link should be provided where the Judge’s panel can view/hear/or review a sample(s) of the Entry. In the case of films, an online screening site is acceptable.
– All nominations submitted should be accompanied by the Entry Fee. Nominations not submitted with an Entry Fee will not be reviewed by the Academy. (Duplicate entries will not be refunded)
– All Entries must be in English (native, dubbed, or subtitled)
- Music Video must be under 8 minutes in length

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
– Nominations can be submitted by any associate of the program. – Eligible associates include hosts, producers, production companies, studios, channels, networks, web platforms, sponsors, managers, agents, publicists, representatives, distributors and device systems. – By submitting a program or content, the entrant warrants that they have the authority to do so. – Original broadcast or release dates must be between October 2024 – October 2025

ADDITIONAL TERMS
• The Submitter warrants that all rights, licenses, clearances, and releases, for all audio and archival film or video used in the production have been secured or are unnecessary.
• The Submitter warrants that relevant appearance releases for all people featured in the submission have been secured or are unnecessary.
• The Submitter has obtained all of the appropriate rights and clearances of copyrighted material(s).
• The Submitter has obtained all required approvals, clearances, licenses, etc., for the use of the program material contained in this program, and will provide such clearances if requested by the Festival.
• The Submitter warrants that the TasteTV, TCB CAFE Publishing & Media, and any Channel sponsors and partners do not accept responsibility for proof of rights and clearances.
• The Submitter fully indemnifies the TasteTV, TCB CAFE Publishing & Media , and any Channel sponsors and partners against any claim made for such violations of law.
• The Submitter agrees to hold the TasteTV (TM), TCB CAFE Publishing & Media, and any Channel sponsors and partners harmless from and defend them against all claims, demands, losses, damages, judgments, liabilities and expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising out of or in connection with any and all claims of third parties, whether or not groundless, based on any material submitted to the Channel or on any the TasteTV programs developed out of such submission.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Great awards!! Love how they have many different types of categories.

    April 2025
  • Living and working in California this award was very special for me. It really paid homage to all film makers. from music videos to full length feature films. The only down side was the event itself was cancelled due to the LA Fires, hopefully they will be able to hold the ceremony in all its glory

    March 2025
  • Just the best! Nothing more to say. I am going to throw my hat in the ring next year! Keep up the great work everyone!!!
    NLKimmel
    (Kimmel Screen Productions)

    March 2025
  • Mickey Valenz

    I didn't get to attend in person this year but grateful for the nomination. Will apply again in the future.

    March 2025
  • Carla Sciaky

    I am so honored that my music video - my first ever! - was awarded best Inspirational music video, because that was my highest hope for it: to be inspirational. As the festival drew near and the fires were bringing upheaval to so many communities in LA, I felt the organizers did an excellent job of flexing to the best of their ability and also keeping us informed through clear communication. Thank you all, and blessings to you!

    February 2025