The Application Process

The application is designed to help applicants communicate why their work is award-worthy. The international panel of judges assess the merits and impact of the applicant or nominee's work. Each individual applicant, team, or organization (whether they are nominated or apply directly) is asked the same series of questions. Because submissions vary widely in terms of style, scope, medium, aim, and application, it is up to the applicant and their supporters to provide the judges with clear and detailed information about the work’s relevance, context, and implications. Submissions are evaluated for substance and impact — not writing style or English fluency. For the 2026 Award, eligible work must have been created between: 2016 – 2025. Previous applicants are warmly encouraged to apply again with qualifying work from this ten-year window. 

Nominations are welcome, but not required. See Nomination Instructions for details.

Applicants and Nominees Will Be Asked to Provide:

• A one-sentence impact statement
• A 180-word summary of the work
• Responses to impact-focused questions
• Two independent evaluations of the work (Applicants ask evaluators to complete an online evaluation questionnaire within the application.)
• Ten years of credentials supporting the work submitted
• A professional photo or logo
• A digital signature and confirmation that the information submitted is correct and true.
• Optional materials may include press coverage, publications, or creative samples.

You may save drafts in the online application as you work. Once you submit, the application cannot be edited. Learn more about how work is judged here: Judging Criteria.

Application Category Definition

There are three application categories: individual, team, or organization. Each category describes how the work being submitted for the award was produced:

• A sole individual
• A team of individuals or a team or committee within an organization
• An organization, for profit or not-for-profit

Nominations generate an invitation to apply. The application form is the same for nominees and applicants.

Definition of Roles

• Applicant – Individuals, teams, or organizations may apply directly and do not need to be nominated.
• Nominee – Individuals, teams, or organizations nominated by another person. Nominees complete the same process as any other applicant.
• Nominator – A person who invites an individual, team, or organization to apply for The Sigourney Award. Once the nomination is complete, the nominee receives an email informing them they have been nominated. The email includes a link for the nominee to complete the application and submit.
• Evaluator– A person who completes an online evaluation form about the work's impact or influence.
• Application Collaborator – Anyone the primary applicant or nominator adds to the application, who can then participate in completing the application (individuals, team members, organization members). Only the primary applicant can submit the application.

Click Here to Begin an Application

Click Here to Begin a Nomination

Questions? Contact us at info@sigourneyaward.org or visit the website at sigourneyaward.org.