The Altitude Awards celebrate exemplary women and gender non-conforming cinematographers, gaffers, and camera operators. Through this recognition, the awards not only honor outstanding craft and artistic excellence, but also spotlight established and emerging talent. Moreover, we are proud to have seen the careers of many past finalists accelerate after their wins. They have gained increased visibility, new professional opportunities, and well-deserved recognition across the field.

Altitude Awards participants compete for valuable prizes designed to help build out and elevate their professional kits. The Awards culminate in a ceremony and reception, bringing together industry peers, mentors, and supporters to celebrate excellence. Honors are awarded across multiple tiers. There are 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place winners. In addition, the Altitude Awards recognize one Emerging Filmmaker Award recipient, as well as 10 Semi-Finalists. With their achievements recognized, they are positioned as true MVPs within the industry.

We will hold the reception and awards ceremony the week before Cinegear LA 2026.

Judges

Led by head judge, Idit Dvir, a distinguished panel of industry professionals will review participants’ work and artist statements. Through this process, judges will evaluate artistic vision, technical excellence, and creative impact. Our esteemed panel of judges includes:

Anna Amortegui, ADFC, Cinematographer: Quantum Leap, The Cleaning Lady, The Wire
Fernando Argüelles, ASC AEC, Cinematographer: Fear the Walking Dead, Hemlock Grove, Prison Break
Alan Caso, ASC, Cinematographer: Six Feet Under, Why Women Kill, The Rookie
Johanna Coelho, Cinematographer: The Pitt, The Rookie, Séance
Rachel Raimist, Ph.D., Director: Elsbeth, Bel-Air, The Spiderwick Chronicles
More TBC

Important Deadlines

Feb 5 – Feb 24 Early Bird submission: $35.00
Feb 25  – March 15 Regular submission: $55.00
March 16  – March 24  Late submission: $80.00
March 25 – April 5 Extended submission: $100

JUDGING CRITERIA

Cinematographers, Gaffers, and Camera Operators are eligible to apply. Our panel of esteemed judges will evaluate submissions based on your WiM CrewList Profile. Your profile allows for multiple reels, an IMDB link, awards, etc. You are welcome to submit up to three additional projects attesting to your skill, artistry, and potential. The application also requires short statements about your work. Please fill out the Submission Application here, and pay the nominal fee below.

RULES:

* Must be a Women In Media Pro or Student Members to enter
* To join, please apply here: https://womennmedia.com/join/
* Entrants must submit a published WiM CrewList Profile. Here are CrewList best practices
* Entrants may submit optional Vimeo links and passwords for up to 3 projects. You may submit commercials, music videos, or scenes. We are open to looking at work that showcases your talent. Write the name of each project, and specify your crew position on the project
* Entrants must sign the Parity In Action Pledge
* Entrant must be a cinematographer, gaffer, or camera operator with a body of work in one or more of those roles
* Submission must be of Entrant’s work. Applicants must ensure their crew position is clearly stated for each project.
* Participants must complete their entry in full. Missing information or failure to submit the submission fee will result in disqualification
* There is a one-time top prize winner maximum. Entrants who have already been an Altitude Awards top 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or Emerging Filmmaker prize winner do not qualify
* Previous semi-finalists qualifiy
*Before submitting the Altitude Awards application, please pay the nominal submission fee below

The 2024 Altitude Awards winners can be seen here. 2025 Altitude Winners can be seen here.

For questions, please contact [email protected]

Photo by: Ashly Covington