The Cinematic Awards recognize and celebrate the highest standards of creativity and excellence in the gaming community, honoring outstanding achievements in cinematics, encompassing everything from compelling marketing trailers to immersive in-game cutscenes. Join us in honoring the visionaries shaping the future of cinematic storytelling in the industry.
Entry Guidelines
By submitting to the Society for Game Cinematics Awards, you grant the Society for Game Cinematics (SGC) the right to use, reproduce, modify, and distribute any cinematic or accompanying footage submitted, in whole or in part, for promotional, marketing, archival, or organizational purposes related to the awards or the Society. This may include, but is not limited to, use on the SGC website, social media channels, event presentations, award reels, and other SGC-affiliated materials. You acknowledge and agree that the footage may be used outside its original context, including without audio or with edits, to support various promotional and institutional needs. You affirm that you hold all necessary rights to the submitted content or have obtained explicit permission from the rights-holder(s). Please send questions to awards@societyforgamecinematics.org
Please read all the information carefully for each entry you submit.
This will help ensure your entry process is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
PLEASE BE SURE TO COMPLETE ALL ENTRIES BY THE FINAL SUBMISSION DATES.
INCOMPLETE OR INCORRECT ENTRIES MAY BE DISCARDED.
Rules & Procedures
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The "Year of Consideration" (YOC) for the 2027 SGC Cinematic Awards covers the period from December 16, 2025 through December 15, 2026.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
Entries that do not meet the eligibility or submission requirements outlined below will be disqualified. Entry fees are non-refundable, and disqualifications due to failure to meet criteria are the sole responsibility of the entrant.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
1. Game Cinematic
A qualifying Game Cinematic is defined as a curated visual sequence that directly supports the narrative of a video game and is available, viewable, and included within the video game it represents. The video game associated with the cinematic must have been commercially released and accessible by the public within the YOC.
“Game Cinematic” categories apply specifically to content that can be experienced from within the game itself. Players should not be required to leave the game or access an external source in order to view it. A Cinematic Trailer may qualify under this category if it follows this same criteria and is viewable within the game experience.
2. Cinematic Marketing Trailer
A qualifying Cinematic Marketing Trailer is defined as a curated visual sequence that directly supports a video game but is NOT available, viewable, or included within the game itself. A marketing trailer may qualify if it was publicly released during the YOC but prior to the official release of the video game it represents. Both in-engine and pre-rendered work are eligible provided the focus remains on cinematic execution.
INELIGIBLE SUBMISSIONS
The following types of content do not qualify for submission at this time:
Highly scripted gameplay segments with player interaction
Gameplay trailers or demonstrations focused on game mechanics and showcasing game UI rather than narrative or cinematic presentation
Episodic series, short films, or other media based on game IPs not created specifically for the release of the associated video game
Fan-made projects or derivative works lacking a direct, authorized connection to the represented game
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Early Submission Window (October 1 - October 25, 2026): $150 per entry
Standard Submission Window (October 26 - November 25, 2026): $200 per entry
Late Submission Window (November 26 - December 15, 2026): $300 per entry
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Eligible Hardware/Platforms: PC, console, and mobile
Project information: Include the project title, studio name, and a brief description of the content being uploaded (maximum 250 words)
About the Creators: Share a brief profile of the people, team, or studio behind the work with context such as notable projects, award history, and any interesting facts or accomplishments you'd like highlighted. This content may be used for marketing purposes and highlighted during the awards ceremony.
Submission Name: Must be a unique identifying name plus the category code - found at the end of the official SGC category name. ie. SGC Excellence in Game Cinematics [01EGC]
Credits: List up to four key contributors and their respective roles (e.g., Director, Editor, Composer)
Remake Titles: To ensure recognition of foundational contribution to the work, entrants shall list as a key contributor at least one name from the original cinematics creative team.
Multiple Entries: You may submit the same cinematic piece to multiple categories if it qualifies under each category’s criteria. Each category submission is processed as a separate entry (with it’s own entry fee) and will be evaluated independently by a judging panel.
Rights and permissions: Submitters must hold the rights to the work or possess explicit written permission from the rightsholders
Duration: Entries must have a total runtime between 30 seconds and 10 minutes
Content: All submissions should represent finished content as experienced by the intended audience/players.
Cinematic Compilations: While many categories allow for only a single cinematic entry, these categories below allow for either a single cinematic OR a compilation of cinematic footage from the released game.
Outstanding Original Music [08OOM)
Outstanding Voice Performance [11VCE]
Outstanding Character Performance [12OCP]
Outstanding Character Rigging [13RIG]
Note that the category SGC Excellence in Game Cinematics MUST be a compilation only.
Compilations consist of multiple clips from the same or different cinematics within the game that focus on the category subject. For example, a character or voice performance compilation would contain multiple clips of the same character showcasing the performance throughout the entirety of the game cinematics. Similarly a character rig compilation would contain multiple clips of said rig, showcasing the rig over the course of the cinematics in the game.
For any of these categories allowing compilations, they will be accepted ONLY if the character, rig or voice is the same in every instance and was created by the same people and team, from the same released game. Similarly for music, while the music itself can vary it must have been created by the same people and be from the same released game.
Each clip within the compilation will need either a title card, black frames or a pause in between to clarify the end of one clip and the start of the other.
Supplementary Content: Certain categories REQUIRE supplementary material to verify technical achievement or demonstrate craft-specific excellence. Requirements vary by category:
Real-Time Categories ([02RTC], [14VFX]): Submit a supplementary video (up to 1 minute) showing the cinematic sequence running in real-time on the intended eligible hardware platform. The footage must display a visible FPS counter and debug performance metric throughout to confirm real-time playback.
Rigging Category ([13RIG]): Submit supplementary content (up to 1 minute video or documentation) showcasing rig controls, deformation tests, or inventive solutions that demonstrate the technical achievement and artistic execution of the rig.
Writing Category ([15WRI]): Submit supplementary content including the screenplay, script excerpt, or documentation that was used to guide the story and visuals of the submitted sequence (up to 10 pages).
Note: Failure to include the required supplementary material will result in disqualification from the applicable category.
Optional Supplementary Content: Entrants may upload additional optional footage (up to 10 minutes) to support their entry. This may include behind-the-scenes content, before-and-after breakdowns, work-in-progress reels, or additional cinematic sequences related to the category subject.
Optional supplementary material will not be included in judging but may be used to showcase nominated work during the awards ceremony and for SGC marketing content. This provides mutual benefit by giving entrants additional visibility while supplying the SGC with promotional assets.
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Video file in .MP4 or .MOV format
Resolution:
1920 x 1080 (HD)
Inner cropping for desired aspect ratio presentation must be contained within these resolutions to ensure non-distorted imagery
Accepted Frame Rates (fps):
60, 59.94, 30, 29.97, 24, 23.98
Recommended video codecs:
Preferred: ProRes (422) or DnxHD
Accepted: H264 or H265
Audio must be embedded in the video for submission:
2-channel stereo preferred
Uncompressed for ProRes and DnxHD files
AAC Stereo for H264, H265 files
5.1 mixes are welcome, but not guaranteed for 5.1 playback. For Outstanding Sound Design category, 5.1 mixes are preferred for judging purposes.
Additionally separate .WAV file audio stems are optional
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The 2nd Annual Cinematic Awards will be held in March 2027 during GDC. More specifics on date and location coming soon.
Awards Categories
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This category recognizes Excellence in Game Cinematics and 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.
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.
Entrants must submit:
A compilation reel (up to 10 minutes in length) featuring representative cinematic moments from the final, released version of the game.
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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.
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.
Entrants must submit:
A final cinematic sequence (up to 10 minutes in length) from the released game.
Supplementary video (up to 1 minute) showing the cinematic sequence running in real-time and recorded directly from the intended eligible hardware platform. The supplementary footage must display a visible FPS counter and debug performance metric throughout to confirm real-time playback.
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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.
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.
Entrants must submit:
A final cinematic sequence (up to 10 minutes in length) delivered as a standalone cinematic file played within the game experience.
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This category recognizes Excellence in Cinematic Marketing Trailers that leverage game cinematics 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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
Entrants must submit:
A final cinematic from the released game (up to 10 minutes in length). The piece should represent finished content as experienced by players.
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This category recognizes Exceptional Achievement in Editing of a game cinematic. Submissions should reflect precision, rhythm, and narrative clarity; demonstrating how editorial choices shape emotional impact, pacing, and visual storytelling.
Awards will be presented to the game title and up to four individual contributors. Suggested recipient titles include Editor, Assistant Editor, Director and Post Producer.
Entrants must submit:
A final cinematic from the released game (up to 10 minutes in length). The piece should represent finished editorial work as experienced by players.
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This category recognizes Outstanding Sound Design in a game cinematic, demonstrating creative and technical excellence that enhances storytelling, atmosphere, and emotional resonance.
Awards will be presented to the game title and up to four individual contributors. Suggested recipient titles include Sound Designer, Mixer, and Audio Producer.
Entrants must submit:
A final cinematic from the released game (up to 10 minutes in length). The sound design that is featured must be presented in context with the cinematic content it was created for.
5.1 is the preferred audio format for judging purposes.
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This category recognizes Outstanding Original Music composed specifically for the game cinematics. Submissions should showcase how the original score enhances the emotional tone, narrative arc, and cinematic impact of the sequences throughout the game.
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.
Entrants must submit:
A final cinematic or cinematic compilation from the released game (up to 10 minutes in length) which highlights the music. The music featured must be original and composed specifically for the cinematic content submitted.
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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.
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.
Entrants must submit:
A final cinematic from the released game (up to 10 minutes in length). The work should represent finished in-game or pre-rendered content as experienced by players.
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This category recognizes Outstanding 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.
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.
Entrants must submit:
A final cinematic from the released game (up to 10 minutes in length). The submission should showcase finished visual elements as experienced by players.
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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.
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.
Entrants must submit:
A final cinematic or cinematic compilation from the released game (up to 10 minutes in length), featuring the voice performance.
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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.
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.
Entrants must submit:
A final cinematic or cinematic compilation from the released game (up to 10 minutes in length), highlighting the character performance.
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This category recognizes Outstanding Achievement in Character Rigging for game cinematics. Submissions should demonstrate technical complexity and thoughtful implementation of a character rig that has enabled creative teams to push the boundaries of performance and movement.
For the purposes of this category a "Character Rig" includes characters, creatures, vehicles, and generally any asset that requires a hierarchical system of bones, joints, and control objects to enable performance animation.
Awards will be presented to the game title and up to four individual contributors. Suggested recipient titles include Rigging Lead, Character TD, Technical Animator, and Animation Director.
Entrants must submit:
A final cinematic or cinematic compilation from the released game (up to 10 minutes in length) that prominently features performances enabled by the rigging work. Only one rig per submission accepted.
Supplementary content (such as a 1 minute video or documentation) showcasing rig controls, deformation tests and inventive solutions demonstrating and highlighting the technical achievement and artistic sensibilities of the rig.
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This category honors Outstanding Achievement in Real-Time Visual Effects created for game cinematics. Submissions should exhibit excellence in the design, execution, and integration of dynamic VFX within a cinematic sequence. The work should enhance storytelling and deliver high-performance real-time execution.
Awards will be presented to the game title and up to four individual contributors. Suggested recipient titles include VFX Artist, VFX Supervisor, Technical Director, and Art Director.
Entrants must submit:
A final cinematic from the released game (up to 10 minutes in length)
Supplementary video (up to 1 minute) showing the cinematic sequence running in real-time and recorded directly from the intended eligible hardware platform. The supplementary footage must display a visible FPS counter and debug performance metric throughout to confirm real-time playback.
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This category recognizes Outstanding Achievement in Writing for game cinematics. Submissions should demonstrate excellence in dialogue, descriptive action, thematic depth, and emotional resonance within a cinematic, that ultimately supports player understanding and motivation.
Awards will be presented to the game title and up to four individual contributors. Suggested recipient titles include Writer, Narrative Design Director, Story Director, and Creative Director.
Entrants must submit:
A final cinematic from the released game (up to 10 minutes in length)
Supplementary content including the screenplay or documentation that was used to guide the story and visuals of the submitted sequence, which represents finished content as experienced by players.