S351: Best Layout of an Article or Column

This category recognizes a publication's best use of graphics, text and/or photography in a single article or column. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the page(s) on which the material was published.

• S351a: Best Layout of an Article or Column – Newspaper
• S351b: Best Layout of an Article or Column – Magazine

S361: Best Cover or Front Page

Judges will consider graphic elements, typeface, and the extent to which the layout is creative and compelling. An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the cover only (not the entire issue).

• S361a: Best Cover or Front Page – Newspaper Front Page
• S361b: Best Cover or Front Page – Magazine Cover

S363: Best Use of Art or Graphics

Judges will consider the quality of the art as well as its ability to help readers better understand the news article. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the page(s) on which the artwork or graphic and accompanying story was published. Entrants may choose the subcategory that most closely fits their work.

• S363a: Best Use of Art or Graphics – Best Original Illustration Graphics developed by the publication's staff or commissioned from a freelance artist specifically for the publication to help explain a news or analysis story.
• S363b: Best Use of Art or Graphics – Best Chart or Information Graphic A chart, graph or other infographic developed by the publication's staff or commissioned from a freelance artist specifically for the publication to help explain a news or analysis story.

S402: Best Use of Video on Social Media

This category is for prerecorded video specifically intended for use on social media platforms. The video may cover either news or feature story, and must have been published on social media. An entry consists of a link to the published video on a social media platform, and may include a letter about the story, video production methods, and why the particular social media platform was chosen.

S508: Hot Topic – Magnifica Humanitas

This category includes coverage of Pope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, as well as analysis of its teachings and their implications for the church and society. An entry consists of one PDF or URL file containing the pages on which up to three items (article, column, and/or editorial) were published. You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online.

S509: Hot Topic – Beatification of Fulton Sheen

This category includes coverage of Fulton Sheen's beatification, as well as analysis of his life, ministry and legacy. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the pages on which up to three items (article, column, and/or editorial) were published. You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online.

S510: Hot Topic – The U.S. Midterm Elections

This category includes coverage of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, as well as analysis of key issues, Catholic participation and the results' implications for the church and society. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the pages on which up to three items (article, column, and/or editorial) were published. You may also submit a list of URLs if your content is available online.

S511: Best Op-Ed

An entry consists of one op-ed written by a guest contributor. (Staff writers are eligible for the following categories: S513, S521, S531 and S533.) Judges will focus on the overall effectiveness of the article submitted. An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the page(s) on which one op-ed is published.

S513: Best Column

This category is open to newspapers or magazines. Judges will review any three to five different articles by one or more authors. For an entry written by multiple authors to be considered, it must be a column of the same name, written from time to time by different authors. The columns do not have to run consecutively. Judges will focus on the overall effectiveness of the columns submitted. A column may be entered in one subcategory only. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the pages on which three to five columns were published. Please select the subcategory that best fits your column. Entry must be the sole work of a CMA member publication.

• S513a: Best Column – Art, Leisure, Culture and Food
• S513b: Best Column – Bishop's Column in a Diocesan Magazine/Newspaper
• S513c: Best Column – Family Life
• S513d: Best Column – General Commentary
• S513e: Best Column – Religious Life
• S513f: Best Column – Spiritual Life
• S513g: Best Column – Political Issues
• S513h: Best Column – Scripture/Theology

S521: Best Coverage

This category awards in-depth coverage via articles, columns, special sections, or editorials. If a publication does not have three items to submit in this category, it may enter an item in another category (for example, best editorial, interview, column, profile, etc.). Judges will consider the writer's creativity and ability to tell a compelling story. Judges will also consider photographs, artwork or videos that accompany the items. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the pages on which three items (article, column, and/or editorial) were published. This category is for digital and print publications.

• S521a: Best Coverage – Immigration
• S521b: Best Coverage – Political Issues
• S521c: Best Coverage – Papal Trips
• S521d: Best Coverage – Religious Liberty
• S521e: Best Coverage – Disaster or Crisis
• S521f: Best Coverage – Pro-life Issues
• S521g: Best Coverage – Racial Inequities
• S521h: Best Coverage – Ecumenical and/or Interfaith Issues
• S521i: Best Coverage – Catholic Education

S531: Best Editorial

An article giving the viewpoint of the publication, editor, or staff on a subject on which different opinions can be held. The editorial may be signed or unsigned but must be written by a member of the publication's staff. Judges will focus on the persuasive quality of the editorial, rather than simple commentary. An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the page(s) on which the editorial is published.

S533: Best Essay

Judges will consider depth of reflection, persuasiveness and use of examples. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the page(s) on which the essay is published.

S537: Best Feature Article

A feature article covers a group, trend or event of general interest and is not "hard" or breaking news. A story should exhibit thorough reporting, but should be distinguished by the quality of its writing, its accessibility, and its human-interest value. Editorials, book and movie reviews, personality profiles, background articles and news analyses may not be submitted in this category. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts or illustrations. Work from freelance or part-time staff is allowed. An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the page(s) on which the article was published.

S541: Best Headline

Headline writing is both a skill and an art. A good headline sells the story, provoking the reader to stop and read it. Each word is important; there is no padding. Verbs are snappy, the full headline clear and precise. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL containing the page(s) on which the headline and complete story were published. Blog titles are not eligible for this category.

S545: Best Interview

The interview may be in question-and-answer or narrative format. Stories should have an eye for atmosphere and detail. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the page(s) on which the interview was published.

S561: Best In-Depth Reporting

This category recognizes work whose primary achievement is the depth and substance of its original reporting. Through interviews, documents, data, observation, or other reporting methods, the article substantially expands readers' knowledge of a significant subject. Entries will be judged on the depth of reporting, the quality of sourcing, the significance of the information gathered, and the quality of the writing. Eligible work provides a fuller understanding of an event, issue, community, or situation. Related stories, graphics, sidebars photos or videos published in the same article will be considered with the entry. Work from freelance or part-time staff is allowed. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page(s) on which the article was published.

S563: Best Investigative Reporting

This category recognizes original reporting that uncovers significant facts that were concealed, obscured, or difficult to obtain. Entries will be judged on the initiative and rigor of the investigation, the strength of the evidence, the significance of the findings, and the clarity and quality of the writing. Can be a series (maximum of 3 clips, please) or a single article, and may include sidebars. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts or illustrations. Work from freelance or part-time staff is allowed. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page(s) on which the article or series was published.

S564: Best Analysis Writing

This category recognizes work whose primary achievement is explaining or interpreting a significant event, issue, or development. Drawing on relevant evidence, the article helps readers understand why something happened, how competing explanations compare, or what its consequences may be. Original reporting may be included, but entries will be judged primarily on the strength of the explanation, the effective use of evidence, and the quality of the writing. Analysis must be grounded in evidence; opinion or advocacy alone does not qualify. Can be a series (maximum of 3 clips, please) or a single article, and may include sidebars. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts or illustrations. Work from freelance or part-time staff is allowed. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page(s) on which the article or series was published.

S565: Best Local or Regional News Coverage

Entries are from news writing on a subject or topic originating primarily in the geographic area where the publication is based. Entry may include sidebars but must include three to five articles. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts or illustrations. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page(s) on which the articles were published.

S567: Best National or International News Coverage

Entries are from straight news writing on a subject or event of national impact originating outside the geographical area where the newspaper is published. The entry may include coverage of local aspects of the subject or event. The entry may be one story or may include 3 to 5 clips, in one or several issues, about the same subject or event. Judges will not consider accompanying photographs, charts, or illustrations. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL of the page(s) on which the article or series was published.

S571: Best Personality Profile

Entries in this category should answer two questions: (1) Who is this person? and (2) Why does he/she make a difference? Stories should have an eye for atmosphere and significant personal details, as well as stated beliefs and accomplishments. Judging will focus on quality of writing and ability to convey through words a sense of the whole person. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF or URL of the page(s) on which the article was published.

S573: Best Parish Profile

This category profiles one particular parish community and its ability to promote and build faith formation through its ministries and leadership. Judging will focus on quality of writing and writer's ability to present through works a complete picture of the community and what makes it unique and innovative. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the page(s) on which the article was published.

S575: Best Reporting on a Special Age Group

Coverage should be of what members of a certain age group are doing, not simply of events. An entry may be a single article, a series (maximum five clips, please), pictures, or a special section. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the page(s) on which the article or series was published.

S576: Best Reporting on Catholic Education

This category is an article about any aspect of Catholic education. Judges will consider the reporter's creativity and ability to tell a compelling story, as well as photographs, artwork, or videos that accompany the article. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing page(s) on which the article was published. You may also submit a URL if your content is available online.

S577: Best Reporting on the Celebration of a Sacrament

This category is for one article or column of one of the seven Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony. Judges will consider the reporter's creativity and ability to tell a compelling story, as well as photographs, artwork or video that accompany the writing. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing page(s) on which the article was published.

S578: Best Reporting on Cultural Heritage

This category recognizes reporting on devotions, festivals, ethnic traditions and community events that demonstrate and build a community's cultural heritage. An entry may be a single story or a series. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing page(s) on which the article was published.

S579: Best Reporting on Social Justice Issues

This category is for one to three article(s) or columns about one of the seven themes of Catholic social teaching (based on the USCCB article on the seven themes). Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF or URL file containing the page(s) on which the material was published. Please select the subcategory that best suits your work.

• S579a: Best Reporting on Social Justice Issues – Call to Family, Community, and Participation
• S579b: Best Reporting on Social Justice Issues – Care for God's Creation
• S579c: Best Reporting on Social Justice Issues – Dignity and Rights of Workers
• S579d: Best Reporting on Social Justice Issues – Life and Dignity of the Human Person
• S579e: Best Reporting on Social Justice Issues – Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
• S579f: Best Reporting on Social Justice Issues – Rights and Responsibilities
• S579g: Best Reporting on Social Justice Issues – Solidarity

S580: Best Reporting on Family

This category recognizes outstanding reporting on news that impacts family life, with an emphasis on Church teaching. An entry may be a single story or a series. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing page(s) on which the article was published.

S581: Best Sports Reporting

This category is for a one-shot section, feature, series, or personality profile of an athlete or sports team. Judges will consider the writer's creativity and ability to tell a compelling story. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the pages on which one to three items (article, column, and or editorial) were published.

S583: Best Reporting on Priests, Religious and Deacons

This category is for one to three article(s) or columns about the lives, ministries, experiences or issues affecting priests, members of religious communities or permanent deacons. Entries may include profiles, news, features, analysis, or commentary examining their roles in the church and wider community. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the pages on which one to three items (article, column and or editorial) were published.

Articles primarily focused on discernment, formation, or the call to priesthood, religious life, or the permanent diaconate should be entered in S584: Best Reporting on Vocations to the Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate.

S584: Best Reporting on Vocations to the Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate

This category is for one to three article(s) or columns about vocations to the priesthood, religious life or permanent diaconate. Entries may explore vocational discernment, the call to ministry or religious life, formation and preparation, recruitment or trends and issues affecting vocations in the church. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the pages on which one to three items (article, column and or editorial) were published.

Articles primarily focused on the lives, ministries, or experiences of priests, members of religious communities, or permanent deacons after formation should be entered in S583: Best Reporting on Priests, Religious and Deacons.

S595: Best Special Issue

Judges will consider front page design, interior page layouts, and the extent to which editorial content creatively and thoroughly addresses the theme(s) of the supplement. May or may not include advertising content. Please upload one PDF or URL of the work.

S596: Best Special Supplement or Section

A supplement is considered an insert or portion of the entire publication. Judges will consider design, layouts, and the extent to which editorial content creatively and thoroughly addresses the theme(s) of the supplement. May or may not include advertising content. Please upload one PDF or URL of the work.

S831: Best Story and Photo Package – By an Individual

This award is for one article or feature on any topic consisting of both image(s) and written content together. Judges will consider creativity and ability to tell a compelling story, as well as the overall impact of the photo and story together as one piece. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the pages on which the story and photo package were published.

S832: Best Story and Photo Package – By Two or More Individuals

This award is for one article or feature on any topic consisting of both image(s) and written content together. Judges will consider creativity and ability to tell a compelling story, as well as the overall impact of the photo and story together as one piece. An entry consists of one PDF or URL containing the pages on which the story and photo package were published.