An Introduction to CINE Awards
The CINE Award Structure
Since 1957, CINE, a non-profit [501(c)(3)] organization, has been dedicated to recognizing the work of outstanding filmmakers, videographers, producers, directors and other craftspeople in the film, television, and new media industry. CINE honors these talented individuals by presenting three awards:
The CINE Golden Eagle Award, presented bi-annually
The CINE Special Jury Award, presented annually
The CINE Masters Series Award/CINE Award of Excellence, presented annually
The CINE Golden Eagle Award
Twice a year, CINE accepts submissions for consideration of the CINE Golden Eagle Award through the CINE Golden Eagle Film & Video Competition. The competition, conducted by a unique multi-stage jury process, functions much like academic or scientific peer reviews. Over 400 jurors nationwide participate in the semi-annual screenings of the hundreds of productions entered into each competition cycle. Upholding such high standards and integrity account for the CINE Golden Eagle's unparalleled reputation of excellence.
A production worthy of a CINE Golden Eagle will be clear, concise and innovative in its structure and writing, with strong visuals, sound elements, and editing. Production techniques will be creatively and appropriately employed, with camera work, audio recording, narration, music, performance and graphics of a high technical quality that support the writing and editing to achieve a cohesive final production that fulfills the stated purpose of the project. The production must also prove that it has communicated appropriately to its intended audience. Finally, a Golden Eagle Award-winning production must demonstrate an overall excellence that separates it from productions similar in content, genre or style.
CINE Golden Eagle entries do not compete against each other; rather they are judged individually against a high standard of excellence. A production that has met the stated objectives, as evaluated by two stages of juries, is awarded a CINE Golden Eagle.
The CINE Special Jury Award
CINE Golden Eagle winners from the Spring and Fall competitions during a calendar year automatically become nominees for a CINE Special Jury Award in their particular category. Juries comprised of members of CINE's Board of Directors select the best production in each of CINE's 32 categories. These productions are awarded the CINE Special Jury Award. CINE reserves the right not to give a special award in any given category.
The CINE Master Series Award and the CINE Award of Excellence
CINE Special Jury Award winners automatically become nominees for the CINE Masters Series Award, which recognize the best of the best in each CINE Division: Professional Telecast Non-Fiction, Professional Telecast News, Professional Telecast Non-Fiction Short, Professional Advertising and Promotion, Professional New Media, Professional Non-Telecast, and Independent. The CINE Award of Excellence is presented to the top film in CINE's Student Division. The winners of these awards are chosen from among the CINE Special Jury Award winners.
The recipients of the CINE Masters Series Awards and the CINE Award of Excellence are announced at CINE's Annual Awards Gala, held each Spring in Washington, D.C. Winners receive a trophy and sponsored grants and prizes.
