ABOUT CINDYS

Honoring the Best use of Cinema in IndustRY
Discover the Winners of the CINDY Awards, Celebrating Creativity and Excellence
in Linear and Interactive Media Since 1959

Directing
  • Feature Film
  • Documentary
  • Commercial
  • Music Video
  • Short Film
  • Animation
  • Television
  • Web Series
  • Virtual Reality
  • Experimental
Editing
  • Picture Editor
  • Dialogue Editor
  • Sound Editor
  • Music Editor
  • Colorist
  • Visual Effects Editor
  • Online Editor
  • Negative Cutter
  • Digital Intermediate (DI) Editor
Writing
  • Screenwriter
  • Story Editor
  • Documentary Writer
  • Documentary Writer
  • Adaptation Writer
  • Animation Writer
  • Web Series Writer
Interactive
  • Game Designer
  • VR Artist
  • VFX Artist
  • Storyboard Artist
  • Animator
  • Sound Designer
  • Narrative Designer
  • User Experience (UX) Designer
  • Technical Director

The International CINDY Awards has developed into the premier international audio-visual competition for both linear and interactive media for over 60 years. Each year, CINDYS draws thousands of entries from dozens of countries around the globe. A host of media formats are represented in the competition, including online interactive multimedia, video, audio, music production, mobile apps, and more. The annual quarterly events are open to all individuals and organizations globally. Each subject matter category has a single judging panel made up of 8-12 individuals. Half of these are subject matter specialists and the remainder have a professional background in film production, advertising, art direction, marketing and distribution. Using a 100 point score sheet, this single panel determines which entries in their category should receive a Gold, Silver, Bronze, Honorable Mention, or Special Achievement Certificate. The Best In Show, Special Award and Honorable Mention Awards recieve a statue.

CELEBRATING CINEMA
IN INDUSTRY SINCE

SPRING CALL
FOR ENTRIES

CATEGORIES

ALL CATEGORIES ARE JUDGED BY ESTABLISHED PROFESSIONS IN EACH FIELD

TELEVISION/STREAMING

This category showcases the best in both long-form and short-form storytelling from both traditional television and cable networks to streaming platforms. From gripping dramas to documentaries, commercials and comedies, this category highlights the breadth of talent and creativity in the world of television. The selected submissions in this category are evaluated on the strength of their writing, acting, and overall production value, and have been chosen for their ability to captivate audiences and spark conversation.

BUSINESS, INDUSTRY & GOVERNMENT

This category is focused on recognizing the best in filmmaking that explores the intersection of business and government. Our panel examines the complex relationships between corporations, policymakers, and the public, and offer a critical lens on the ways in which economic systems shape our world. The selected films in this category are evaluated on the strength of their research, storytelling, and ability to shed light on important issues facing business and government today. The category aims to showcase the power of documentary filmmaking to inform, educate, and inspire change.

EDUCATION

This category explores and highlights issues and innovation in the field of education. They demonstrate diverse perspectives and experiences of students, teachers, and education systems around the world. The selected films in this category are evaluated on the strength of their storytelling, research, and ability to shed light on important issues and challenges facing education today. The category aims to showcase the power of documentary filmmaking to inform, educate, and inspire change in the education sector.

SPORTS, LEISURE & RECREATION

These films showcase the diverse perspectives and experiences of athletes, coaches, enthusiasts and industry professionals, highlighting the beauty and culture of sports and leisure activities around the world and aims to showcase the power of sports and leisure to inspire and entertain, and the impact it has on the lives of people who participate or follow it..

ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY

These films showcase the diverse perspectives and experiences of individuals, communities and organizations working to preserve and protect our natural world. The selected films in this category are evaluated on the strength of their storytelling, research, and ability to shed light on important issues and challenges facing the environment and ecology today and inform, educate and inspire action and change towards a more sustainable future.

TECHNICAL ARTS & CRAFTS

recognizes the outstanding contributions made by these individuals in the areas of storytelling, visual style, sound design, and technical execution. The nominees in this category are selected based on their ability to push the boundaries of technical excellence and create immersive and visually stunning films. This category is a celebration of the cinematic artistry that goes into making a film, and the individuals who bring it to life.

MEDICAL

The "Medical Field" category is dedicated to recognizing the best in documentary filmmaking that explores and highlights issues and innovation in the field of medicine. These films showcase the diverse perspectives and experiences of medical professionals, patients, and researchers working to improve healthcare and medical practices around the world.

STUDENT PRODUCTIONS

Recognizing the best in short-form filmmaking created by students, these films showcase the diverse perspectives and experiences of student filmmakers, who are just starting to develop their craft and tell their stories. The selected films in this category are evaluated on the strength of their storytelling, technical proficiency, and ability to convey a message. This category aims to showcase the emerging talent and creativity of student filmmakers, and provide them with an opportunity to be recognized for their hard work and dedication to the art of filmmaking.

MOVIE TRAILERS

The Movie Trailer category celebrates the art of creating compelling and intriguing previews of upcoming films. Movie trailers play a critical role in building anticipation and excitement for films, and this category evaluates their effectiveness based on factors such as the quality of the editing, sound design, pacing, and ability to convey the film's genre and story. The category recognizes the talent and creativity of the editors, sound designers, and marketers who collaborate to make these trailers and their ability to engage and entice audiences.

PUBLIC SERVICE & INFORMATION

Delivering important information to the public, these films cover a range of topics such as health and safety, emergency preparedness, and civic engagement. The selected films in this category are evaluated on the strength of their ability to convey information in an accurate and accessible way, their storytelling, and ability to inspire or motivate the viewer to take action. They highlight the importance of providing accurate and accessible information to the public, which can help individuals make informed decisions and improve their well-being.

NON-BROADCAST DOCUMENTARY

Recognizing documentary films not primarily intended for television or broadcast distribution. These films can be found on online streaming services, film festivals, and other non-traditional outlets. Judging the ability to shed light on important issues and stories that might not otherwise be seen by a broad audience. Highlighting the power of non-broadcast distribution to reach niche audiences and provide a platform for underrepresented voices and perspectives.

EXPERIMENTAL, ESSAY & PERSONAL STATEMENT

Recognizing documentary films not primarily intended for television or broadcast distribution. These films can be found on online streaming services, film festivals, and other non-traditional outlets. Judging the ability to shed light on important issues and stories that might not otherwise be seen by a broad audience. Highlighting the power of non-broadcast distribution to reach niche audiences and provide a platform for underrepresented voices and perspectives.

SALES & MARKETING

These films showcase the diverse perspectives and experiences of sales and marketing professionals, highlighting the strategies and techniques used to promote and sell products or services. They also highlights the creativity and innovation that goes into promoting and selling products or services, and how it can be used to connect with target audiences and drive results.

TITLE SEQUENCES

Title sequences are an essential component of any film, providing the first visual impression of the movie to the audience. A great title sequence sets the tone for the story, establishes the genre and style, and creates anticipation for the film. It can provide background information about the film's characters, setting, and themes, helping the audience to better understand the story.

TRAVEL & TOURISM

These films showcase the diverse perspectives and experiences of travelers, tour operators, and other industry professionals, highlighting the beauty and culture of destinations around the world showcasing the power of travel and tourism to connect people and cultures, and the impact it has on both the local communities and the travelers themselves.

GAME TRAILERS

The Game Trailer category recognizes the art of creating captivating and exciting promotional videos that showcase upcoming video games. Game trailers play a crucial role in generating buzz and anticipation among the gaming community, and this category evaluates the quality of the visuals, narrative, and sound design to determine the most effective and engaging trailers. The category celebrates the talent and skill of the creators behind the trailers and their ability to convey the essence of the game and generate excitement among gamers.

RADIO

This category recognizes radio shows with engaging discussions, in-depth interviews with notable guests or experts, and informative content that educates and entertains listeners. Winning programs demonstrate excellent interviewing skills, strong research and preparation, and the ability to captivate audiences through compelling storytelling.

stock music production

This category would recognize the effective use of pre-existing music in a film, television show, or online production to enhance and elevate the storytelling, mood, or emotional impact of the project. The winning production would demonstrate the skillful integration of music into the overall project, showcasing the ability to choose appropriate music that fits the tone and enhances the narrative. Judges would also consider the quality of production music used, including its originality, relevance to the project, and production value.

MUSEUM INSTALLATIONS

Recognizes outstanding installations that creatively showcase collections or ideas, engaging visitors with excellent use of space, lighting, multimedia, and interactivity. Judges consider educational value and impact on cultural or artistic community. Winning installation is visually stunning, intellectually stimulating, and effectively communicates its message to engage its audience.

COMMERCIALS

Recognizes commercials that effectively tell a compelling and engaging story, using creative and innovative storytelling techniques to capture and maintain the viewer's attention. Judges consider the quality of production and the integration of the brand's message or values into the narrative. Winning commercial is a powerful and memorable piece of advertising that resonates with its audience and effectively communicates the brand's message or values.

JUDGING

Quarterly winners have the option to enter the next scheduled CINDY event at a reduced entry fee rate. The four, separate CINDY Competitions held each year are open to all entrants worldwide. Judging is a two-step process with two panels. Both judging panels are similar to the one described above and both use the same scoring criteria. The first Preliminary panel in each category determines which entries will receive an award. A second Blue Ribbon panel determines which specific award will be given. Gold, Silver, Bronze, Honorable Mention, and Special Achievement awards are certificates. The Best of Show and the Special Awards are presented with statues. All entries are automatically eligible for these awards.

MEET THE PAST WINNERS

SINCE 1959, THE COVETED CINDY AWARD HAS BEEN PRESENTED TO THOUSANDS OF PRODUCERS WORLDWIDE.

The annual competition consists of 4 quarterly deadlines and awards for each quarter. Judging is a two-step process with two panels. Both judging panels are similar to the one described above and both use the same scoring criteria. The first Preliminary Panel in each category determines which entries will receive an award. A second Blue Ribbon panel determines which specific award will be given. Gold, Silver, Bronze, Honorable Mention and Special Achievement awards are certificates. The Best of Show and the Special Awards are large crystal awards. All entries are automatically eligible for these awards. Each year our judging panel consists of professionals specializing in film production, advertising, art direction, marketing and distribution.

George Lucas Director / Producer
Robert Altman Director / Producer
Ricky Gervais Writer / Producer
Wyclef Jean Musician/Producer

CINDY HISTORY FACTS

CINDY NOTABLE WINNERS


Since the creation of the CINDY Awards in 1959, we had a lot of future famous artists participate in the awards, you can see some highlights here.

Here is a list of notable CINDY winners of past that have acheived a high amount of success after winning a CINDY Award.

GEORGE LUCAS AND SAUL BASS WIN A CINDY AND AN OSCAR

Just before commencing his “Star Wars” franchise in the mid-70’s, George Lucas served as the Second Unit cameraman on “Why Man Creates”, produced by renowned designer Saul Bass. “Why Man Creates” received both an Oscar and a CINDY Award.


Robert Altman scores 3 cindy awards

Before becoming an acclaimed feature director, Robert Altman, worked for the Calvin Companies in St. Louis as a cameraman. After he moved on to Hollywood, two of those films eventually received three of the very first CINDY awards in the early 1960’s.


RONALD REAGANAND PAT SAJAK

RONALD REAGAN AND PAT SAJAK both served as Master of Ceremonies for our CINDY Awards banquets in the 1960’s.


NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC WINS IN 1979 FOR “THE TIGRIS EXPEDITION”

Programs that document historic events have been routinely honored over the years by the Cinema in Industry (CINDY) awards. The National Geographic film “The Tigris Expedition” (1979) and Ben and Jacqueline Phillips Shedds’s “The Flight of the Gossamer Condor” (1978) are two fine examples.


HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY CINDY WINNERS

The 65 year old NYC School of Visual Arts (SVA), Liberty University, George Mason Univ. , MO State Univ., William Patterson Univ., NC State Univ. and Montgomery County Public Schools (Rockville, MD).


DESIGNORY CAPTURES GOLD CINDY FOR SUBARU WRX

The Long Beach office of ad agency Designory picked up a gold CINDY for “WRX/WRX STI Spotlight” for their client Subaru of America.

Netflix wins with Ricky Gervais

In 2014, Ignition teamed up with its frequent partner Netflix and Ricky Gervais to create the wildly popular "Superfan" ad, which premiered during the Emmy's. Filmed in both New York City and Baltimore, this side-splitting commercial quickly went viral.


WYCLEF JEAN LANDS A CINDY FOR MUSIC VIDEO “ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN”

Wyclef Jean took home a CINDY gold award for his music video “Anything Can Happen” off his 1997 debut album “The Carnival”.


NPR AND RADIO SMITHSONIAN WIN AGAIN

The radio documentary “Black Radio: Telling It Like it Was”, produced by Radio Smithsonian garnered CINDY gold in 1997. A 1984, a co-production of NPR & Ray Bradbury, “Bradbury 13” was a series of radio adaptations of Ray Bradbury stories narrated by Mr. Bradbury. The series won a Peabody Award and two TDF Awards. Stephen Curwood’s environmental radio series “Living on Earth” and distributed by Public Radio International has received multiple CINDY Awards over the years.


ELECTRONIS ARTS and loma media for “FIFA 16”

San Diego-based Loma Media recently picked up their latest Gold CINDY for client Electronic Arts. FIFA champion and Olympic Gold medalist Alex Morgan squares off against Kobe Bryant.


A&E CHANNEL AND CINTELE PRODUCTIONS

In 1994, Cinetel Productions of Knoxville won a Gold CINDY for one of their most popular cable series “America’s Castles”. Cinetel became part of the Scripps Howard organization later that same year.


ABC NEWS AND SAM DONALDSON

ABC News picked up a CINDY Award for “Sam Donaldson’s Website” which was one of the first CINDY winners for a website.


WATCH WINNING COMMERCIALS






Latest News 2023 WINNER announcements

BEST IN SHOW 2023

Announcement 30 days after each quarterly deadline

Special Achievement 2023

Announcement 30 days after each quarterly deadline

Honorable Mention 2023

Announcement 30 days after each quarterly deadline