The 61st Annual Gabriel Awards
The Gabriel Awards honor outstanding film, broadcast and digital media from around the world.
61st Annual Gabriel Awards
The Gabriel Awards
Since 1965, honoring media that offers a faithful portrayal of the human experience — storytelling that reflects dignity, compassion, justice, community and tolerance.
About the Award
A silver angel, raised skyward
Created by the Catholic Academy of Communication Professionals and now stewarded by the Catholic Media Association, the Gabriel Awards celebrate storytelling that reflects dignity, compassion, justice, community and tolerance. Though administered by the Catholic Media Association, the Gabriels have honored secular and faith-based storytelling alike since 1965. For six decades, the Gabriel has stood as a respected honor in values-centered media.
The Statue
A lasting honor
Winners receive a nine-inch silver angel mounted on a polished wood base. Gabriel raises skyward a globe encircled by electrons, symbolizing the communication of God's word to humanity: a salute to all who strive for values-centered media. Finalists receive a certificate of accomplishment.
Eligibility
Who can enter
- Entries must have been released between January 1 and December 31, 2026.
- Entries may be released in the United States or internationally. Non-English submissions must include English subtitles; entries without subtitles will be disqualified.
- Eligible divisions: Film & Theatrical Releases, Audio & Podcasting, Television & Streaming Series, and Digital Media & Social Platforms.
- Entries are welcome from Catholic and secular media alike; content need not be religious in nature. The Gabriels have recognized values-centered storytelling across the mainstream media landscape since 1965.
Judging
How entries are evaluated
All entries are reviewed by distinguished media professionals across three criteria:
- Content & Values — dignity, justice, compassion, community or tolerance.
- Creativity & Technical Excellence — direction, editing and overall quality at or above industry standards.
- Impact — emotional and intellectual resonance with the audience.
Key Dates
Mark the calendar
Submissions open
Open period ends
Extension ends
Late fee applies.
Finalists announced
Awards presented
The Skirvin Hotel, OKC.
Entry Fees
By division
| Division | Open Submission (by Jan. 31) | Extension (Feb. 1–7) |
|---|---|---|
| Film & Theatrical Releases | $200 | $225 |
| Television & Streaming Series | $150 | $175 |
| Audio & Podcasting | $125 | $150 |
| Digital Media & Social Platforms | $100 | $125 |
Accepted formats — video: MP4, audio: MP3, documents: PDF, images: JPEG. All entries are submitted via the CMA awards platform.
How to Enter
Three steps to submit
Create an entrant profile
Organizations should create one shared profile. Returning entrants can log in with last year's credentials and reset the password if needed.
Submit your entry
Select a category, upload the required files, and save progress any time before checkout.
Complete payment
Pay by credit card online, or mail a check with the invoice. Once payment is received, entries are marked complete and cannot be edited.
Award Divisions
Four divisions, one standard of excellence
Film & Theatrical
Feature and short narrative films, plus documentary features and shorts.
See categories →Audio & Podcasting
Radio, on-demand podcasts, news features and interview shows, in English and Spanish.
See categories →Television & Streaming
Documentaries, series, scripted narrative and live broadcast coverage.
See categories →Digital Media & Social
Short and mid-form video, web series and multiplatform awareness campaigns.
See categories →