Celebrating the Voices That Shape America’s Future
Join the premier American Awards show honoring media, marketing, innovation, and leadership — now open to all nationalities across the U.S.
About The America Awards
Born from the bold vision of Brazilian entrepreneur Vanessa Caetano, THE AMERICA AWARDS celebrates its 8th edition with a new name, global reach, and an unwavering mission: to honor excellence in communication, creativity, and community impact — across all cultures and industries.
About The America Awards
In 2024, the MIDIA AMERICA AWARDS proudly celebrates its 8th edition by embracing a bold transformation. From this milestone forward, it evolves into THE AMERICA AWARDS — the first American awards show in the United States founded and organized by a Brazilian entrepreneur, Vanessa Caetano Salmeron, CEO of the MIDIA AMERICA Group.
With a new structure and expanded vision for 2025, the awards are no longer exclusive to Brazilians but now honor outstanding professionals, creators, and organizations from all nationalities across the U.S., recognizing excellence in media, marketing, culture, business, influence, and community leadership.
The entire 2024 ceremony was presented in English, marking the official start of this inclusive and international chapter. The America Awards is now nationally recognized as a prestigious celebration of innovation and impact, distinguishing itself as a leading platform for honoring exceptional voices in media and communication.
About the Awards
The America Awards (formerly MIDIA AMERICA AWARDS) was founded on December 7, 2017, by journalist and entrepreneur Vanessa Caetano Salmeron, with the mission of celebrating excellence in communication, creativity, and community impact. The first edition featured only six award categories, focusing on recognizing outstanding contributions in media, innovation, and digital influence. What began as a simple tribute has since grown into a nationally respected, multicultural celebration that embraces professionals and creators from all backgrounds.
Today, the awards honor excellence in media and marketing, recognizing the work of outstanding professionals who lead with originality, dedication, and vision. As a leading organization, the America Awards is committed to promoting innovation and impact across industries.
Discover the Legacy of Excellence
Get inspired by the trailblazers who have already made history at The America Awards. From groundbreaking media pioneers to influential community leaders, our past winners embody the spirit of innovation, resilience, and impact.
The New Trophy
Designed by Society Awards — Makers of Legends.
To mark this exciting evolution, THE AMERICA AWARDS introduces an exclusive trophy designed by Society Awards — the prestigious creators of the Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, American Music Awards, and YouTube Creator Awards.
The Society Angel Round Base Award is a symbol of victory and prestige, featuring:
- 24kt hand-polished gold plating
- Intricate, finely textured angel wings
- Die-cast zinc and hand-finished wooden base
- A timeless fusion of elegance and modern design
This collaboration positions THE AMERICA AWARDS among the most celebrated and respected awards ceremonies in the country, standing proudly alongside global icons of recognition.
THE AMERICA AWARDS: 20 categories, endless stories of dedication, creativity, and impact.
Board of Advisors
THE AMERICA AWARDS is guided by a jury board formed by respected industry leaders who oversee the nomination and selection process. The current board includes:
Vanessa Caetano
CEO, MIDIA AMERICA Group
Vanessa Caetano is the founder and CEO of Mídia América, an influential media organization that she established in 2016. Mídia América has become a crucial platform for Brazilian media professionals in the U.S. and Brazil, providing opportunities for networking, collaboration, and recognition. Vanessa’s vision for Mídia América Awards has turned the event into a prestigious celebration of excellence in media, honoring professionals across various categories. Her leadership and dedication have been instrumental in bridging the gap between Brazilian media professionals and the broader international community. Vanessa’s work continues to elevate the status of Brazilian media on the global stage, making her a respected leader in the industry. Additionally, she serves as a Director of the ABI Inter (Brazilian International Press Association), further enhancing her influence and commitment to the media sector.
Priscilla Triska
CEO, Bis Entertainment
Priscilla Triska is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, recognized for her role as the CEO of Bis Entertainment. Bis Entertainment is a company known for producing high-quality events and content, often focusing on the Brazilian and Latin American markets. Priscilla’s leadership has been pivotal in organizing large-scale events, music festivals, and entertainment productions that cater to both regional and international audiences. Her extensive experience in entertainment, coupled with her strategic vision, has made her a respected authority in the field. Priscilla is known for her ability to connect artists with audiences in meaningful ways, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape.
Laine Furtado
CEO, Linha Aberta Magazine
Laine Furtado is the CEO of Open Line Magazine, a leading publication that covers a wide range of topics, including lifestyle, culture, and entertainment. Open Line Magazine has become a go-to source for readers interested in the latest trends and stories in these areas. Laine’s editorial direction has brought the magazine significant acclaim, especially within the Brazilian community. She is recognized for her ability to curate content that resonates with her audience, blending cultural insight with contemporary issues. Her role as CEO has made her a key figure in media, particularly in connecting the Brazilian and Latin American communities with relevant and engaging content. In addition, she serves as the President of the ABI Inter (Brazilian International Press Association), further solidifying her influence and leadership in the media industry.
Alex Columbine
CEO, Jornal dos Sports
Alex Columbine is the CEO of Jornal dos Sports, a historic Brazilian sports newspaper, and a member of the Associação Brasileira de Imprensa (ABI), the Brazilian Press Association. His leadership in Jornal dos Sports has kept the publication relevant in an ever-changing media landscape, especially within sports journalism. Alex is known for his dedication to preserving the legacy of sports journalism in Brazil while adapting to new media trends. His involvement with ABI highlights his commitment to the broader media community, where he advocates for journalistic integrity and the free press.
Douglas Morisco
CEO, AM Photo Production
Douglas Morisco – Douglas Morisco is an award-winning photographer and the CEO of AM Photo Production. Known for his ability to capture and preserve culturally and emotionally significant moments, his work stands out for its technical excellence and storytelling depth. His dedication to documenting collective memories and contributing to cultural preservation has earned him widespread recognition. With a unique vision and talent, Douglas continues to inspire through his craft, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in photography within the Brazilian community.
Claudio Costa
CEO, BraziTV
Claudio Costa serves as the CEO of BraziTv, a platform that brings Brazilian television content to international audiences. Under his leadership, BraziTv has become a vital link for the Brazilian diaspora, providing them with access to news, entertainment, and cultural programming from Brazil. Claudio’s work has been instrumental in promoting Brazilian culture and entertainment on a global scale. His expertise in television broadcasting and his commitment to maintaining the quality and relevance of content have positioned BraziTv as a trusted source of Brazilian media abroad.
Antonio Martins
CEO, Acontece.com
Antonio C. Martins is a prominent marketing and advertising strategist and the Marketing Director of ABI Inter (Brazilian International Press Association). Based in Florida since 1989, he is also the Art Director at ACM Productions, Publisher and Marketing Director at Acontece Media Group, and Co-founder of the Blist App. With a strong background in communication and branding, Antonio has been recognized for his leadership, earning awards such as “Advertiser of the Year” by BAAA and Regional Leader by LIDE Miami. His work continues to bridge cultural connections and drive innovation in the Brazilian-American community.
Looking Ahead: Business Awards & More
In 2024, the event also launched a new segment: THE MIDIA AMERICA Business Awards, celebrating the achievements of Brazilian entrepreneurs and professionals across the United States. This marks a broader commitment to recognize excellence beyond the media world, celebrating success in innovation, leadership, and community growth across industries.
Rules & Participation Guidelines
Fair. Prestigious. Transparent.
To ensure fairness, integrity, and alignment with the values of THE AMERICA AWARDS, the following rules apply to all participants and nominees:
- All interested individuals or organizations must register within the official nomination period announced by the event organizers.
- Late entries will not be considered after the registration deadline.
- All registered nominees will be reviewed and evaluated by the Board of Directors of THE AMERICA AWARDS.
- Each nominee must receive a minimum of 3 votes from board members to qualify as a winner.
- The results will be announced exclusively during the awards ceremony.
- No winner will be informed in advance, even if selected. Please do not share or speculate about any outcomes prior to the event.
- If a winner is unable to attend the ceremony in person, their name will not be announced during the event, but their achievement will still be recognized in post-event materials.
- The event will proceed as scheduled. We will miss your presence, but your legacy and contribution will still be honored with pride.
About MIDIA AMERICA Group
Founded in 2016 by Vanessa Caetano Salmeron, MIDIA AMERICA Group was born to connect media professionals, amplify the Brazilian voice abroad, and create meaningful friendships and collaborations.
Today, the group connects:
- Over 600 media platforms
- More than 650 million combined followers
- Strong presence across the U.S., Brazil, and Lusophone communities worldwide
With the motto “Together we are stronger,” MIDIA AMERICA GROUP fosters a network of communication, trust, and community impact — proudly serving as a reliable bridge between cultures.
