Entry Information - Asian Academy Creative Awards

Award Categories 2026

Best Adaptation of an Existing Format (Scripted)

Best Adaptation of an Existing Format (Non-Scripted)

Best Animation

Best Actor in a Leading Role

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Best Branded Programme

Best Children’s Programme

Best Cinematography (Fiction)

Best Cinematography (Non-Fiction)

Best Actor/Actress in a Comedy Role

Best Comedy Programme

Best News Programme

Best Direction (Feature Film)

Best Direction (Fiction)

Best Direction (Non-Fiction)

Best Drama Series

Best Documentary Series

Best Documentary History

Best Documentary Programme (One-Off)

Best Micro-Drama

Best Editing

Best Feature Film

Best General Entertainment Programme

Best Infotainment Programme

Best Entertainment Host

Best Factual Presenter

Best Lifestyle Programme

Best Music or Dance Programme

Best Non Scripted Entertainment

Best Original Screenplay

Best Original Production by a Streamer

Best Promo or Trailer

Best Short Form

Best Single Drama/Telemovie/Anthology Episode

Best Sound

Best Theme Song (or Title Theme)

Best Visual or Special FX (TV or Feature Film)

Eligibility

The entry submitted must have been first “broadcast”, “transmitted” or “released” between 1^st Aug 2025 – 31^st July 2026 (“Award Period”) on any media platform, as the AACA is platform-agnostic, unless otherwise expressly stated in the relevant Award Category.

*A one-time grace period of up to thirty (30) days may be granted for titles that were first broadcast, transmitted, or released between 1 July 2025 and 31 July 2025, provided that the title was not submitted in the previous year and is subject to prior written approval by AACA.

For individual categories (e.g actor, director, editor, cinematographer, host, presenter, screenwriter), the nominated individual must satisfy at least one of the following criteria within the Award Region(s):
(i) hold citizenship or residency; or (ii) was born in the country; or (iii) has produced a substantial body of work within the Award Region(s).
For non-individual categories, the entry i.e the programme, series or film must be substantially produced within the Award Region(s). International co-productions are permitted. All submissions are subject to final approval by the AACA.
Each entry must be submitted under one (1) Award Region only.
Any conflict or issue concerning any interpretation of an Award Category or eligibility requirements shall be subject to the final decision of AACA.
Where applicable, minimum broadcast duration refers to the commercial slot duration, unless otherwise specified in the relevant Award Category

Please refer to the ‘Rules of Entry 2026’ for details and other Terms and Conditions on our Website

RULES OF ENTRY

ENTRY KIT 2026

Judging

How Judging Works

HOW JUDGES ARE SELECTED

Judges are appointed through the following pathways:

1) By invitation from AACA – Selected individuals are highly respected industry professionals with demonstrated expertise and a strong track record in their respective fields. AACA maintains one of the most rigorous judging standards globally.

2) By nomination from AACA Ambassadors – Ambassadors may recommend qualified candidates, endorsing both their professional credentials and suitability for the role.

3) Self-nomination – Individuals may apply to become judges, provided they meet the minimum requirement of at least ten (10) years of professional experience and can demonstrate significant credits or achievements within their area of expertise.

JUDGING ROUNDS

To win an Asian Academy Creative Award an entry must pass through two distinct Judging Rounds.

Round 1 is the National Round where primarily local judges vote for the programmes or performances they deem the best in their local industry.

All of the judging is done anonymously and online so judges do not get to confer or be influenced by others. They score and allocate points to the entry. The Entry with the most points wins.

Unlike some other awards processes, an Asian Academy Creative Award Judge cannot adjudicate a category they themselves have entered or in which they declare a conflict.

The highest-scoring entry in each category will be awarded the title of National Winner (representing their territory).

For example: “Asian Academy Creative Awards – Best Drama (India)”

Each National Winner will then represent their territory at the Asian Academy Creative Awards Grand Finals in Singapore.

Round 2 is the International Judging stage where expert panels from around the world assess each National Winner and score their work.

For this round all entries must carry English subtitles as judges could come from many countries including those outside the region (such as USA, UK, Europe, South America etc).

Again, the voting system is completely online and the judges are not known to each other. The votes are tallied by computer then audited by an external, independent legal company.

The names of these winners are then sealed, only to be announced at either the Grand Awards Gala Final in December.

WHO ARE THE JUDGES?

The Asian Academy Creative Awards has elected to keep the identity of its judging panel confidential until after the judging process has been fully completed.

This substantially reduces the opportunity for entrants to directly lobby judges or somehow attempt to influence their decision.

This measure supports the highest levels of integrity, that must be integral to an awards programme, to sit confidently alongside the world’s most prestigious.

Following the conclusion of the process, and after verification by Baker McKenzie, all judges are formally acknowledged and recognised for their contribution.

For enquiries email: judging@asianacadamycreativeawards.com