This category recognizes outstanding achievement in the overall use of cinematic content across an entire game. Submissions should demonstrate a cohesive and impactful integration of cinematic storytelling, direction, and execution that elevates the narrative, deepens emotional engagement, and enhances player immersion from start to finish.

Entrants must submit a compilation reel (up to 10 minutes in length) featuring representative moments from the final, released version of the game.

Awards will be presented to the game studio and up to four individual contributors. Suggested recipient titles include Game Director, Narrative Director, Cinematics Director, and Executive Producer.

This category recognizes excellence in real-time cinematic content rendered during gameplay. Submissions should demonstrate outstanding direction, storytelling, and technical execution within a real-time environment, showcasing how cinematic moments can be experienced dynamically and seamlessly by the player.

Entrants must submit a final cinematic sequence (up to 10 minutes in length) from the released game, along with a supplementary 1-minute video demonstrating the content running in real-time on the intended hardware platform.

Awards will be presented to the game studio, production studio(s), and up to four individual contributors. Suggested recipient titles include Director, Producer, Writer, and Cinematic Designer.

This category honors outstanding achievement in pre-rendered cinematic content created for use within a game. Submissions should exhibit excellence in storytelling, visual fidelity, direction, and production value; delivered as a standalone cinematic file played as part of the game experience.

Entrants must submit a final cinematic sequence (up to 10 minutes in length) from the released game. Submissions should represent the finished version of the sequence as experienced by players.

Awards will be presented to the game studio, production studio(s), and up to four individual contributors. Suggested recipient titles include Director, Producer, and Writer.

This category recognizes excellence in the creation of marketing trailers that leverage cinematic content to promote a game. Submissions should demonstrate a strong creative vision, narrative clarity, and high production value, effectively capturing the tone, themes, and emotional appeal of the game through cinematic storytelling.

Entrants must submit a final trailer (up to 10 minutes in length) that was publicly released as part of the game's marketing campaign. Both in-engine and pre-rendered work are eligible, provided the focus remains on cinematic execution.

Awards will be presented to the game studio, production studio(s), and up to four individual contributors. Suggested recipient titles include Director, Producer, and Writer.

This category recognizes outstanding direction within a game cinematic scene or moment. Submissions should demonstrate a clear and compelling directorial vision that drives storytelling, performance, visual style, and emotional impact. A cinematic is defined as a curated visual sequence that directly supports the narrative of the game.

Entrants must submit a final cinematic from the released game or final cinematic trailer (up to 10 minutes in length). The piece should represent finished content as experienced by players.

Awards will be presented to the game title and up to four individual contributors. Suggested recipient titles include Cinematic Director, Cinematic Designer, Narrative Director, and Creative Director.

This category recognizes exceptional achievement in the editing of a game cinematic. Submissions should reflect precision, rhythm, and narrative clarity; demonstrating how editorial choices shape emotional impact, pacing, and visual storytelling. A cinematic is defined as a curated visual sequence that directly supports the narrative of the game.

Entrants must submit a final cinematic from the released game or final cinematic trailer (up to 10 minutes in length). The piece should represent finished editorial work as experienced by players.

Awards will be presented to the game title and up to four individual contributors. Suggested recipient titles include Editor, Assistant Editor, and Post Producer.

This category recognizes outstanding sound design in a game cinematic, demonstrating creative and technical excellence that enhances storytelling, atmosphere, and emotional resonance. A cinematic is defined as a curated visual sequence that directly supports the narrative of the game.

Entrants must submit a final cinematic from the released game or final cinematic trailer (up to 10 minutes in length).

Awards will be presented to the game title and up to four individual contributors. Suggested recipient titles include Sound Designer, Mixer, and Audio Producer.

This category recognizes outstanding original music composed specifically for a game cinematic. Submissions should showcase how the original score enhances the emotional tone, narrative arc, and cinematic impact of the sequence. A cinematic is defined as a curated visual sequence that directly supports the narrative of the game.

Entrants must submit a final cinematic from the released game or final cinematic trailer (up to 10 minutes in length). The music featured must be original and composed specifically for the cinematic content submitted.

Awards will be presented to the game title and up to four individual contributors. Suggested recipient titles include Composer, Mixer, Sound Engineer, and Audio Producer.

This category honors outstanding cinematography in a game cinematic. Submissions should reflect excellence in visual composition, camera movement, lensing, lighting, and overall cinematic language; contributing meaningfully to the narrative and emotional tone of the sequence. A cinematic is defined as a curated visual sequence that directly supports the narrative of the game.

Entrants must submit a final cinematic from the released game or final cinematic trailer (up to 10 minutes in length). The work should represent finished in-game or pre-rendered content as experienced by players.

Awards will be presented to the game title and up to four individual contributors. Suggested recipient titles include Digital Cinematographer, Cinematic Director, Previsualization Lead, Cinematic Designer, Storyboard Artist, and Lighting Lead.

This category recognizes exceptional art direction in a game cinematic. Submissions should demonstrate a distinctive and cohesive visual style that enhances the narrative and emotional impact of the cinematic sequence. A cinematic is defined as a curated visual sequence that directly supports the narrative of the game.

Entrants must submit a final cinematic from the released game or final cinematic trailer (up to 10 minutes in length). The submission should showcase finished visual elements as experienced by players.

Awards will be presented to the game title and up to four individual contributors. Suggested recipient titles include Art Director, Director, Art Producer, Character Artist, and Lighting Lead.

This category honors an outstanding individual voice acting performance in a game cinematic project. Submissions should demonstrate emotional authenticity, character depth, and a compelling connection to the narrative. A cinematic is defined as a curated visual sequence that directly supports the narrative of the game.

Entrants must submit a final cinematic from the released game or final cinematic trailer (up to 10 minutes in length), featuring the voice performance.

Awards will be presented to the game title and up to four individual contributors. Suggested recipient titles include Voice Actor, Voice Director, and Cinematic Director.

This category recognizes an outstanding individual character performance in a game cinematic project, whether achieved through animation or motion capture. Submissions should exhibit exceptional emotional expression, movement, and storytelling that bring the character vividly to life. A cinematic is defined as a curated visual sequence that directly supports the narrative of the game.

Entrants must submit a final cinematic from the released game or final cinematic trailer (up to 10 minutes in length), highlighting the character performance.

Awards will be presented to the game title and up to four individual contributors. Suggested recipient titles include Character Lead, Motion Capture Actor, Animation Lead, Rigging Lead, Motion Capture Lead, and Cinematic Director.