The Gabriel Awards

Honoring values-centered media since 1965

 

Since 1965, the Gabriel Awards have honored excellence in media that offers a faithful portrayal of the human experience. Created by the Catholic Academy of Communication Professionals and now stewarded by the Catholic Media Association, the Gabriel Awards celebrate storytelling that reflects dignity, compassion, justice, community and tolerance.

The award itself, a silver angel raising a globe skyward, symbolizes communication of God's word to humanity. For six decades, the Gabriel has stood as a respected honor in values-centered media.

Entries are welcome from Catholic and secular media alike, and CMA membership is not required.

Submit Your EntriesView Categories

The Gabriel Statue

Winners receive a nine-inch silver angel mounted on a polished wood base. Gabriel raises skyward a globe encircled by electrons, a salute to all who strive for values-centered media. Finalists receive a certificate of accomplishment.

Key Dates

Submissions openNovember 2, 2026
Regular deadlineJanuary 31, 202711:59 p.m. CT
Extended periodFebruary 1 to 7, 202711:59 p.m. CT. Late fees apply.
Finalists announcedApril 28, 202710 a.m. CT
Awards presentationJuly 16, 202761st Annual Gabriel Awards, The Skirvin Hilton, Oklahoma City

Entry Fees

Per entry, by division Regular periodNov. 2, 2026 to Jan. 31, 2027 Extended periodFeb. 1 to 7, 2027
Film & Theatrical Releases $200 $225
Television & Streaming Series $150 $175
Audio & Podcasting $125 $150
Digital Media & Social Platforms $100 $125
  • Accepted formats: MP4 for video, MP3 for audio, PDF for documents and JPEG for images.
  • All entries are submitted through this portal.

Four Divisions

Film & Theatrical

Feature and short narrative films, plus documentary features and shorts.

See categories

Audio & Podcasting

Radio, on-demand podcasts, news features and interview shows, in English and Spanish.

See categories

Television & Streaming

Documentaries, series, scripted narrative and live broadcast coverage.

See categories

Digital Media & Social

Short and mid-form video, web series and multiplatform awareness campaigns.

See categories

How to Enter

1. Create an entrant profile

  • Organizations should create one shared profile.
  • Returning entrants can log in with last year's credentials and reset the password if needed.

2. Submit your entry

  • Select a category and upload the required files.
  • Save your progress any time before checkout.

3. Pay

  • Pay online by credit card, or mail a check with your invoice.
  • Once payment is received, entries are marked complete and can't be edited.

Mail payments to:
Catholic Media Association
Gabriel Awards Program
10 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 875
Chicago, IL 60606

Detailed submission instructions

Eligibility and Judging

Who can enter

  • Entries must have been released between January 1 and December 31, 2026.
  • Entries may be released in the United States or internationally. Non-English submissions must include English subtitles. Entries without subtitles will be disqualified.
  • Entries are welcome from Catholic and secular media alike. Content need not be religious in nature.

How entries are judged

Distinguished media professionals review every entry on three criteria:

  • Content and values: dignity, justice, compassion, community or tolerance.
  • Creativity and technical excellence: direction, editing and overall quality at or above industry standards.
  • Impact: emotional and intellectual resonance with the audience.

Questions?

For eligibility, submission or payment questions, email the Awards Team at Awards@CatholicMediaAssociation.org.

The Gabriel Awards on the CMA website

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