How The Selection Process Works
The America Awards 2026 follows a structured, Board-reviewed path from application to formal recognition. Every stage below applies equally to every applicant and nominee.
Applications and nominations are free.
A Selection Process Built Over Time
The America Awards selection process has been shaped and refined across multiple editions to create a recognition system with clear criteria, defined stages and structured Board evaluation.
Each edition has contributed to the evolution of the process, strengthening the standards used to review applications, evaluate candidates, conduct voting and formalize recognition.
This structure reflects the organization’s commitment to credibility, consistency and meaningful recognition.
“Recognition should carry meaning. That requires process, criteria and consistency.”
The Selection Process, Step by Step
From first application to formal presentation, the process below is the same for every candidate.
Application / Nomination
Submit your application, or nominate someone else, before the deadline. Applications and nominations are free.
Review
Each submission is reviewed for completeness and category fit before advancing to the Board.
Board Evaluation
All applications are submitted to the official evaluation and voting process of The America Awards Board of Directors.
Voting
Candidates who receive a minimum of 3 affirmative votes are considered selected.
Selection
Candidates who clear the voting threshold are formally selected and move to official notification.
Official Results
Official selection results are communicated to candidates on September 30, 2026.
Confirmation
Selected honorees confirm their participation in the official ceremony by October 15, 2026.
Ceremony Participation
Participation in the official ceremony on December 12, 2026, is required for the award to be formally presented and received.
Recognition is never guaranteed by applying or being nominated. It is determined solely through the evaluation, voting, and confirmation process above.
Board Evaluation
All applications are submitted to the official evaluation and voting process of The America Awards Board of Directors.
Our Board of 12 Voting Directors reviews every eligible application on its individual merit — considering achievement, impact, and fit for the category applied to or nominated in. No application bypasses Board evaluation.
Voting
Candidates who receive a minimum of 3 affirmative votes are considered selected.
Each Voting Director casts their vote independently. The same minimum vote threshold applies uniformly across every category, for every candidate.
Confirmation of Participation
Selected honorees are notified once official results are communicated on September 30, 2026.
To formalize the recognition, honorees must confirm their participation in the official ceremony by October 15, 2026. Confirmation is how a selected honoree formally accepts the recognition.
Ceremony Participation
Participation in the official ceremony is required for the award to be formally presented and received.
The America Awards 2026 ceremony takes place December 12, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. Full ceremony details, registration information, and participation requirements are provided directly to selected honorees after confirmation.
If Confirmation Is Not Completed
If confirmation is not completed by the stated deadline, the recognition will not be formalized for that edition.
Deadlines apply equally to every selected honoree, keeping the process fair and consistent across the full class of honorees.
Key Dates 2026
Fairness & Integrity
Every application and nomination is evaluated on its own merit by The America Awards Board of Directors. Voting is independent, and the same minimum vote threshold and deadlines apply equally to every candidate and every category.
Selection is determined solely through Board evaluation and voting — never guaranteed, and never purchased.