The Buzzies

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.

The 2023 winners will be announced at the Awards Presentation during Congress '23. The winners each receive a signature award statue and a free registration to Congress.

AWARD CATEGORIES

Best Science Program/Content - Long Format (25 minutes or longer), sponsored by NHK
One-off features and series are eligible. If submitting a series, please include only one sample episode. The jury will only screen one episode.

Best History Program/Content - Long Format (25 minutes or longer)
One-off features and series are eligible. If submitting a series, please include only one sample episode. The jury will only screen one episode.

Best Natural History Program/Content - Long Format (25 minutes or longer)
One-off features and series are eligible. If submitting a series, please include only one sample episode. The jury will only screen one episode.

Best Factual - Short Format (Under 25 minutes)
One-off shorts and series are eligible. If submitting a series, please include only one sample episode. The jury will only screen one episode.

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)

Best Direction
Recognising the director's vision, creativity and leadership in bringing a documentary from concept to life on a small or large screen. No limit on the format.

Best Writing
Recognising exceptional skill and craft in writing through plotting and guiding the narrative, either using narration or developing a detailed outline of the story realized in the editing. Only the program is required for this submission. No scripts accepted.

Green Impact of the Year, sponsored by Terra Mater Studios
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, sponsored by France TV Distribution
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, sponsored by Curiosity Stream
An individual host/presenter or on-screen team working on a single project/program. Please include a portrait photo and bio for your nominee.

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. Alumni and previous applicants of the Emerging Producer Bursary Program are eligible; however, participants of the 2023 program are not eligible. 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, sponsored by PBS International (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.

ELIGIBILITY

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].

SUBMISSION FEES


All fees outlined above include:

Discount codes are not accepted retroactively. Submission fees are non-refundable.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants will be notified whether their project has been nominated via email by mid-October 2023. All decisions by juries and the WCSFP programming team are final.

It is the entrant's responsibility to enter their project in the correct category.

SUBMISSION PROCESS

Submissions are closed.

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.