The 2026 Merit of Distinction in Literature Award submission period officially begins February 10, 2026. Our panel of voluntary judges include book critics, editors, and industry experts who are actively involved in the book industry. Books will be awarded in multiple categories for the previous and current year (2025-2026). Late nomination date begins on May 1, 2026. Books written part or in whole by AI are ineligible for submission. Visit our submissions page to learn more about the nomination process and submission guidelines. Incomplete nominations are automatically discarded from our system within 24 hours.

Learn more about award winning books (here).

2026 Merit of Distinction in Artistic Expression

The 2026 Merit of Distinction in Artistic Expression nominee submission period officially begins February 10, 2026. Late registration begins May 1, 2026. Art submissions will be awarded in multiple categories for works created in the previous year. No AI will be allowed in any aspect of this category. Visit our submissions page to learn more about submission guidelines.

2026 Merit of Distinction in Cinema

The 2026 Merit of Distinction in Cinema official nomination begins February 10, 2026 with late registration starting on May 1, 2026. Nominated short films will be awarded in multiple genres for works completed in 2025 and by December 2026. Visit the nominee submission page to learn more.

Winners of the 2025 Merit of Distinction in Literature Book Award and Art categories has been announced. See our list of winners here.

Congratulations to our finalists. Our 2025 nominee shortlist has been announced.