FAQ

ELIGIBILITY

Who can enter the EIMA Awards?
Open to musicians, composers, producers, bands, sound engineers, DJs, vocalists, artwork creators, and all music professionals of any age, from any country worldwide. All genres welcome—no restrictions.

How many entries can I submit?

Maximum 3 submissions per order.

Are there restrictions on release dates?

No. Submit works created anytime—released tracks, original compositions, arrangements, or cover versions (in appropriate categories).

Am I allowed to submit albums, singles, or any other music work that I have already entered in previous editions of the EIMA Awards®?

Yes, it is possible to resubmit works that have already been submitted in previous editions of the competition, except in the categories in which they have already been awarded.

SUBMISSIONS

How do I submit my entry?

Online only via http://www.eimawards.com.

What file/link formats are accepted?

Public streaming links from official platforms only (Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud preferred). Contact support@eimawards.com for eventual needs.

When do submissions open/close?

See Key Dates on https://www.eimawards.com. Deadlines may close early due to high volume. EIMA reserves the right to modify dates if necessary.

CATEGORIES

What categories are available?

more than 60 categories covering songwriting, production, performance, media music, visuals: Best Single, Album/EP, Music Video, Producer, Film Music, Children's Music, Album Artwork and more (full list on submission form). EIMA reserves right to reassign entries to better-fitting categories.

JUDGING

How is judging done and who are the judges?

EIMA employs a blind review process by esteemed music industry professionals (producers, artists, critics, A&R experts and radio personalities) using only provided streaming links. Jurors remain completely anonymous to each other and entrants.

Judges score independently using mathematical weighted average formula. Final decisions are binding.

The EIMA Awards® adopt a merit-based evaluation methodology that differs from traditional competitions. Rather than producing rankings or relative placements, each submission is assessed independently against objective standards of excellence. These standards are based on five core criteria: originality, production quality, innovation, emotional impact and Performance/technical skill.

Each entry receives a final score expressed as a percentage, which determines the level of recognition awarded. Medals are assigned according to fixed thresholds:

• Gold Medal: 90%–100%

• Silver Medal: 75%–89%

• Bronze Medal: 60%–74%

This system is not comparative; therefore, awards are granted based solely on whether a given level is achieved, regardless of how other participants perform. As a result, it is entirely possible for certain medal levels (including Gold or Silver for example) not to be assigned within a category if the required standard is not reached. Conversely, multiple medals of the same level may be awarded within the same category, as all participants who meet the corresponding standard are equally recognized.

It also follows that, even in the presence of a single participant within a given category, that entry may receive, for example, a Bronze Medal, while higher‑level medals (such as Silver or Gold) are not awarded, as the respective standards for those levels have not been reached. No refunds are due to the subscriber if the entry does not reach the minimum quality standard or is not awarded. Furthermore, the EIMA Awards® reserve the right to exclude a category from the competition if there is no nominee or winner at any of the Gold, Silver, or Bronze levels.
It is also understood that a winner, even if the only entry in a category and awarded at Bronze or Silver level, will not automatically be promoted to a higher level (Silver or Gold). The EIMA Awards® assign and honor entries based on the achievement of the minimum quality standards for each level, as determined by the jury according to the five evaluation criteria specified above.

An intuitive way to understand this approach is to imagine a mountain ascent: each artist progresses independently toward the summit, which represents the highest level of artistic excellence. Recognition is determined by how far one advances along this path, not by comparison with others.

• Originality (20%) - Uniqueness and fresh creative approach

• Production Quality (20%) - Clarity, mixing, mastering, execution

• Innovation (20%) - Novel ideas, genre fusion, boundary-pushing

• Emotional Impact (20%) - Ability to connect with listeners

• Performance/Artistry (20%) - Skill, expression, artistic delivery

Special or honorable mentions may be awarded to participants for exceptional merits that the jury considers outside the standard evaluation criteria, such as a lifetime achievement award, a special mention for humanitarian merits, and others.

FEES

Is there a general entry fee to participate in EIMA?

Yes. There is a general entry fee of €50, plus €30 per category. Each entry must include at least one category and a maximum of three categories. Fees are non‑refundable and are automatically calculated at checkout. The EIMA Awards® reserve the right to change the prices indicated or to apply limited‑time discounts, such as early bird, Black Friday, or other special offers.

PRIZES

What do winners receive?

Winners receive digital elegant Gold, Silver or Bronze Winner Diplomas.
Gold, Silver and Bronze medals are available on request to commemorate and celebrate the win at the top level.
Winners pay production and shipping of the medals. We supervise all production procedure, stockage, packaging and shipping (see more on the prizes page or go directly to the store page to order your exclusive medal). Only winners can order the medals.

How/when are nominees announced?

During the ongoing competition session, and as soon as the jury has evaluated an entry and cast its vote, the results will be announced progressively. You may therefore see different announcements throughout the contest, sometimes on a weekly basis. Please check our website, in the Awards section, for any updates regarding the results.

How/when are winners announced?

Quarterly announcements via official website Awards page, social media, and newsletters. See Key Dates below.

RULES

Can entries contain explicit content?

No. Entries with hate speech, violence, racism, sexism, religious/political intolerance, or explicit lyrics excluded immediately without refund.

What if my work doesn't fit a category?

Judges may reassign to most appropriate category. Notification sent when possible. All genres accommodated.

Who owns my submitted work?

You retain 100% ownership/rights. EIMA uses streaming links only for judging/promotion.

KEY DATES

Submission periods: January 7th, April 1st, July 1st, October 1st

Deadlines: March 15th, June 15th, September 15th, December 15th

Nominees Announced: March 20th, June 20th, September 20th, December 20th

Winners announced: March 31st, June 30th, September 30th, December 31st

TECHNICAL

Streaming links & Privacy

Provide working streaming links (test before submission). Fully GDPR compliant—no data shared with third parties.S