The Visual Effects Society has announced new categories and updates for the VES Awards.
The 25th Annual VES Awards, which will take place on February 17, 2027 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, will include some brand new categories. These are:
– Outstanding In-Camera Effects in a Photoreal Project: this is the renamed and expanded Outstanding Special (Practical) Effects in a Photoreal Project category. The new category, according to a VES release, “honors artistry achieved through physical, optical, or mechanical techniques and captured by a camera – from pyrotechnics, miniatures, and animatronics to special makeup effects, forced perspective sets, and other practical crafts. Its expanded scope celebrates the ingenuity of the artists whose real-world creations remain fundamental to visual effects storytelling.
– Outstanding Visual Effects in a Short Project: Again, from the release: “This category covers both photoreal and animated projects – including narrative short films, documentary shorts, music videos, native social media content, and experimental films – up to 45 minutes in length. The addition of this category reflects today’s evolving media landscape and the growing sophistication of social media content. It also provides an opportunity for visual effects artists working outside of traditional film and TV episodics to have their work recognized.”
Also at the next VES Awards, the VES is establishing separate award categories for animation and photoreal projects. This means that what was previously one category for Outstanding CG Cinematography has now been replaced by two new categories: Outstanding CG Cinematography in a Photoreal Project and Outstanding CG Cinematography in an Animated Project.
Furthermore, animated categories have also been updated this year to be more inclusive of episodic projects, with category titles changing from “Animated Feature” to “Animated Project.” And another expansion this year is in the Simulation categories, which have been renamed to “Procedural Effects.”
Important dates
● Submissions Open: September 15, 2026
● Final Submission Deadline: October 31, 2026
● Global Nomination Event (VES members only): January 16, 2027
● Nominations Announced: January 19, 2027
● Online View & Vote (VES members only): January 25 – February 7, 2027
● 25th Annual VES Awards Gala: February 17, 2027
Full list of categories for 25th Annual VES Awards
General Categories:
1. Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature
2. Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature
3. Outstanding Animation in an Animated Project
4. Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Episode
5. Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Photoreal Episode
6. Outstanding Visual Arts in a Real-Time Project
7. Outstanding Visual Effects in a Commercial
8. Outstanding Visual Effects in a Special Venue Project
9. Outstanding Visual Effects in a Short Project
10. Outstanding In-Camera Effects in a Photoreal Project
Specific Arts Categories:
11. Outstanding Character in a Photoreal Feature
12. Outstanding Character in an Animated Project
13. Outstanding Character in a Photoreal Project
14. Outstanding Environment in a Photoreal Feature
15. Outstanding Environment in an Animated Project
16. Outstanding Environment in a Photoreal Project
17. Outstanding CG Cinematography in a Photoreal Project
18. Outstanding CG Cinematography in an Animated Project
19. Outstanding Model in a Photoreal or Animated Project
20. Outstanding Procedural Effects in a Photoreal Project
21. Outstanding Procedural Effects in an Animated Project
22. Outstanding Compositing & Lighting in a Photoreal Feature
23. Outstanding Compositing & Lighting in a Photoreal Project
Special Categories:
24. Emerging Technology Award
25. Outstanding Visual Effects in a Student Project
More information from the VES here: https://vesglobal.org/25th-annual-ves-awards-rules-procedures/
