The Buzzies celebrate excellence in science and factual storytelling, and recognize short-form, long-form and multiplatform science, history and natural history projects, as well as awarding projects for innovation and impact.
At the 2021 event, 14 winners will be announced and each will receive a signature awards statue and a free registration to a future Congress (valid for three years).
Best Science Program/Content - One-off or series
Best History Program/Content - One-off or series
Best Natural History Program/Content - One-off or series
Best Multi-Platform Factual Project
Science, history or natural history project designed specifically to be experienced on two or more different platforms (e.g. linear, digital, social media, VR, gaming)
Green Impact of the Year
A media organization that has made significant changes to reduce its impact on the environment or shifted public attitudes or policies on the environment. (e.g. broadcaster, production company, producer association). Please provide supporting documents that describe what changes the organization has made ,as well as the impact of those changes.
Most Innovative Factual Program/Project of the Year
Science, history or natural history project that demonstrates exceptional creativity and originality in either storytelling, production, technical or visual presentation.
Best Host/Presenter in a Science/History or Wildlife Program/Content
An individual host/presenter or on-screen team working on a single project/program.
Mentor of the Year (Note: Reduced fee)
Submissions must be accompanied by a minimum of two letters of support outlining highlights and specific examples demonstrating the nominee’s dedication to mentorship and developing talent in a media position relating to science, history or natural history content. Submissions will be accepted from the nominee or third parties. In the case of a third-party nomination, the nominee must be aware and support the application.
Emerging Producer of the Year (Note: Reduced fee)
Candidates must be in the early stages of their career as producers, and show outstanding potential and achievements in the genres of science, history or natural history. Submissions must be accompanied by a minimum of two letters of support outlining specific examples. Previous participants and applications to the Emerging Producer Bursary Program are eligible, not including applicants to the Congress '20 program. Submissions will be accepted from the nominee or third parties. In the case of a third-party nomination, the nominee must be aware and support the application.
Diversity Leadership Award (Note: No fee)
An individual, team or organization that is related to media in the fields of science, history or wildlife. Candidates must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to issues of diversity and inclusion with specific examples of initiatives and successful outcomes. Submissions must be accompanied by a minimum of two letters of support. Submissions will be accepted from the nominee or third parties. In the case of a third-party nomination, the nominee must be aware and support the application.
Lifetime Achievement Award in Factual Content (Note: No fee)
Submissions must be accompanied by a minimum of two letters of support from third parties that outline the nominee's media accomplishments in the genres of science, history or natural history. Achievements could be in the field of production, executive leadership, host, technical, training, etc. Submissions will be accepted from the nominee or third parties. In the case of a third-party nomination, the nominee must be aware and support the application.
All submissions:
The WCSFP will not accept rough cuts or fine cuts for consideration.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to secure clearance from all copyright holders of materials included in the submitted project. WCSFP will not be held responsible for the unauthorized inclusion of copyrighted materials within or relating to the submitted project. WCSFP reserves the right to disqualify any project with unauthorized copyrighted materials.
Questions? Please contact [email protected].
Award applicants need not register for Congress'21. However, anyone who has paid an Awards entry fee will be eligible for a conference registration discount.
Independent Digital Creator Fee: $50 CAD - please select Student Fee when submitting
Mentor of the Year / Emerging Producer of the Year: $50 CAD
All fees outlined above include:
Note: Inclusion in the Congress VOD site is only included for selected projects if the applicant opts in during the submission process. All WCSFP online screening programs are curated and all submissions will be considered by the WCSFP programming team.
Discount codes are not accepted retroactively. Submission fees are non-refundable.
Applicants will be notified whether their project has been nominated via email by mid-October 2021. All decisions by juries and the WCSFP programming team are final.
If interested in allowing WCSFP to include your project on our VOD site, please mark the appropriate box on the submission form.
It is the entrant's responsibility to enter their project in the correct category.
Submissions are open with a deadline of September 10, 2021.
An individual or organization may submit more than one project/nominee, and may submit that project/nominee for more than one category; however, you must complete a separate form for each project/nominee.
To submit, you must complete the online submission form. All submissions will be processed via FilmFreeway. Please note, you will be required to created a FilmFreeway account to submit.
Questions? Please contact [email protected].
Submission guidelines for The Buzzies are subject to change. The WCSFP reserves the right to rule on all issues not expressly covered in these guidelines.
