Awards in California | Celebrating Excellence Across Industries
Discover the most important awards events across California, from world-famous film and music ceremonies to industry, tech, and cultural recognitions. Whether you’re interested in red-carpet celebrations in Los Angeles, creative industry awards in San Francisco, or regional honors throughout the state, explore upcoming ceremonies and special events in one place.
From the glamor of Hollywood to the vanguard of technological advances, California recognizes accomplishments in a variety of fields, including entertainment, science, industry, and philanthropy.
Browse awards by city, date, or industry and stay informed about notable celebrations recognizing excellence in entertainment, business, arts, and innovation. Our listings help you plan ahead, follow major annual events, and find local award ceremonies happening near you.
Explore upcoming awards events in California and stay connected to the state’s most prestigious moments.
Awards Events in California
What’s on in California – Discover Events!
World-Famous Award Shows
These ceremonies define global pop culture. They all call California home.
The Academy Awards (Oscars)
Location: Hollywood, Los Angeles.
The Oscars represent the peak of cinematic achievement and the pinnacle of Hollywood success. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presents these prestigious awards to honor excellence in filmmaking. Every spring, the industry’s biggest stars gather at the Dolby Theatre to celebrate the year’s best work. This global event creates lasting cultural moments and sets the standard for the entertainment world.
The Grammy Awards
Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles.
The Recording Academy honors musical excellence during the Grammy Awards to celebrate the industry’s most talented creators. You can watch the world’s top artists deliver show-stopping live performances that often define their careers. The ceremony awards the iconic golden gramophones across dozens of genres, from pop and hip-hop to jazz and classical. As music’s most anticipated night, the event draws a global audience to witness history-making wins and legendary collaborations.
The Primetime Emmy Awards
Location: Los Angeles.
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences celebrates the best in television during the annual Emmy Awards. This prestigious ceremony recognizes outstanding series, exceptional acting, and brilliant writing across all platforms. The event continues to honor the “Golden Age” of streaming and broadcast TV with high-stakes reveals and star-studded tributes. By tuning in, you witness the crowning of the industry’s most creative and influential storytellers.
The Golden Globe Awards
Location: Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.
The Golden Globes host a lively celebration to honor excellence in both film and television. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association organizes this star-studded gala, which serves as the official kickoff to the major awards season. Unlike more formal ceremonies, this event maintains a festive atmosphere where celebrities enjoy dinner and drinks at shared tables. The show continues to offer a more relaxed, spontaneous look at the biggest names in the entertainment industry.
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards
Location: Los Angeles.
Actors honor their own peers at the SAG Awards to celebrate the year’s most compelling performances. Members of the SAG-AFTRA union vote for the winners, making this one of the most meaningful honors in the industry. The ceremony continues its tradition of highlighting the craft of acting across both film and television. Because professional performers choose the recipients, these wins signal immense respect from fellow artists and often predict future Academy Award success.
Major Film & TV Awards
Beyond the Oscars, California thrives with industry honors.
Academy Scientific and Technical Awards
Location: Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.
The Academy’s Scientific and Technical Awards honor the behind-the-scenes innovators who build the future of cinema. You can celebrate the engineers and technologists who invent the tools that make modern filmmaking possible. This “nuts and bolts” ceremony highlights breakthroughs in digital rendering, camera optics, and sound engineering. By recognizing these essential creators, the Academy shines a spotlight on the hidden magic that powers every blockbuster.
MTV Movie & TV Awards
Location: Los Angeles.
The MTV Movie & TV Awards target a younger audience with a high-energy and fan-driven celebration. You can vote for your favorite stars in edgy categories like “Best Kiss” and “Best Fight.”, the show continues its tradition of irreverent humor and unexpected celebrity cameos. By ditching the formal rules of traditional ceremonies, this event allows fans to crown the biggest pop culture moments of the year.
NAACP Image Awards
Location: Los Angeles.
The NAACP Image Awards celebrate outstanding achievements by people of color across the arts and entertainment industries. You can watch as the NAACP honors excellence in film, television, music, and literature during this powerful multi-cultural event. In early 2026, the ceremony continues to highlight social justice and creative brilliance on a global stage. By tuning in, you support a storied tradition that champions diversity and elevates underrepresented voices in popular culture.
Animation Awards | Annie Awards & Daytime Emmys
Location: Los Angeles.
The Annie Awards celebrate the best in animation by honoring the industry’s top artists and studios. You can watch as the International Animated Film Association recognizes excellence in both feature films and television series. Just as vital, the Daytime Emmys honor outstanding daytime programming, from soap operas to lifestyle talk shows. Both ceremonies serve as critical industry events that shine a spotlight on specialized creative talent.
Music Award Ceremonies
California’s music scene receives constant acclaim.
American Music Awards (AMAs)
Location: Los Angeles.
Fans vote for the winners in the American Music Awards (AMAs) to crown the year’s most popular musical icons. You can decide the victors in every category by casting your digital ballots for the artists you love most. The ceremony will transform the stage into a massive party with a relentless lineup of high-energy performances. By putting the power in the hands of the public, the AMAs reflect the true heartbeat of the global music charts.
BET Awards
Location: Los Angeles.
Black Entertainment Television hosts the BET Awards to celebrate the power and creativity of Black excellence. You can watch as the network honors African Americans who dominate music, acting, sports, and philanthropy. The ceremony will unite the industry’s biggest stars for a vibrant night of culture and achievement. By blending high-energy awards with socially conscious messages, the show remains the ultimate destination for “Culture’s Biggest Night.”
iHeartRadio Music Awards
Location: Los Angeles.
iHeartMedia combines fan votes and industry data to determine the winners of the iHeartRadio Music Awards. You can see which artists truly dominate the airwaves and streaming platforms through this massive data-driven celebration. The ceremony will showcase the tracks and creators that defined your personal playlists over the last year. By merging listener passion with actual play counts, the show crowns the most influential voices in modern music.
Latin Grammy Awards
Location: Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
The Latin Recording Academy honors the best in Spanish and Portuguese-language music through the Latin Grammy Awards. You can experience a vibrant celebration of global Ibero-American culture as the Academy recognizes excellence in over 50 categories. While the ceremony travels to different cultural hubs, Los Angeles frequently hosts this prestigious event to unite the industry’s most influential artists. The show continues to showcase the incredible diversity of genres, from reggaeton and salsa to fado and rock.
Tech, Business & Science Awards
Silicon Valley and beyond celebrate the future here.
The Webby Awards
Location: San Francisco.
The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences presents the Webby Awards to honor the best of the internet. You can celebrate the world’s most creative websites, videos, apps, and social media campaigns during this fast-paced ceremony. The Academy will recognize digital pioneers who push the boundaries of technology and storytelling. By strictly enforcing a “five-word speech” rule, the event ensures a witty and memorable night that captures the spirit of the web.
CES Innovation Awards
Location: Las Vegas.
While the massive CES event takes place in Las Vegas, California-based companies consistently dominate the tech honors. You can watch Silicon Valley giants and Los Angeles startups sweep the Innovation Awards for their groundbreaking hardware and software. California engineers lead the charge in artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, and next-generation robotics. By showcasing these local triumphs on a global stage, the state proves its enduring status as the world’s primary engine for technological advancement.
Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service
Location: Las Vegas.
The Stevie Awards recognize business achievements globally to honor the world’s most successful companies and professionals. You can see organizations of all sizes compete for these prestigious trophies across eight specialized programs. In 2026, the awards continue to highlight innovation, workplace culture, and exceptional leadership in every industry. By celebrating these accomplishments, the program provides a global benchmark for corporate excellence.
Breakthrough Prize
Location: Mountain View.
The Breakthrough Prize awards millions of dollars to the world’s most brilliant minds in the “Oscars of Science.” This prestigious event honors top scientists and mathematicians for their life-changing discoveries in fundamental physics, life sciences, and mathematics. In 2026, the ceremony continues to provide the largest monetary prizes in the scientific community. By putting researchers on a star-studded stage, the Breakthrough Prize inspires the next generation of innovators and thinkers.
Small & Niche Award Events
California’s creative communities host vibrant local events.
Film Festival Awards
Sundance Film Festival (Park City, UT) but launched by Robert Redford from California.
San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM) Awards.
Los Angeles Film Festival Awards.
Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards. A key Oscar season stop.
Regional Arts Awards
LA Drama Critics Circle Awards: Honor L.A. theatre.
San Diego Film Critics Society Awards: Recognize local cinematic work.
SF Sketchfest Comedy Awards: Celebrate comedic talent in San Francisco.
Industry & Trade Awards
Game Developers Choice Awards (San Francisco): Honor video game creation.
Telly Awards (Los Angeles): Celebrate video and television commercials.
Clio Awards (Los Angeles): Focus on advertising and design.
Literary Awards
California Book Awards: Honor the state’s authors.
Northern California Book Awards: Celebrate regional literary talent.
Engage with California’s Award Scene
You can experience the magic of the industry by participating in award shows directly. Many events sell public tickets, and smaller ceremonies often offer the easiest access for fans. Check official websites early for ticket sales, seating lotteries, and exclusive pre-sale opportunities. By getting involved, you move beyond the screen and join the celebration in person.
The Golden State of Achievement
California’s wide collection of honors demonstrates its status as a pioneer in innovation, entertainment, and cultural impact. These awards, whether they honor a filmmaker’s creativity or a software entrepreneur’s ingenuity, reflect the state’s vibrant and dynamic character.
