The North Carolina Awards is an annual event that celebrates excellence in various fields such as fine arts, literature, public service, and science. The awards are presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have brought recognition to the state of North Carolina.
The Nomination Process and Eligibility
Nominations will be accepted both online and by mail. Anyone can submit a nomination. Nominees are recognized in the categories of fine arts, literature, public service, and science and must meet three criteria:
- Recipients must have made significant, documented contributions to the State of North Carolina in one of the awards categories.
- Recipients must have been born in North Carolina or, if originally from elsewhere, must be current residents of North Carolina.
- Recipients must agree to attend the awards presentation to receive the award.
Review Process
Awards recipients are chosen by the North Carolina Awards Committee, a selection committee of five (5) members appointed by the Governor. The Committee reviews the nominations and may select one or more nominees in each of the four (4) categories. At the Committee’s discretion, a nominee may be moved to a different category than originally nominated. Factors considered in the selection process include:
- Span and scope of career
- Voluntary public service
- Legacy of work
- Current projects
- Awards and honors
2026 Nomination Process
Nominations for the 2026 cycle must be received or postmarked on or before April 15, 2026.
Nominations may be submitted by mail, delivery, or email, and may be made by anyone—including self‑nominations. Multiple nominations are permitted. Posthumous nominations are not accepted.
The identities of nominees will remain confidential.
If a nominee is selected to advance, they will be contacted for follow‑up information and materials, which may include, but are not limited to:
- Nominee’s CV or biographical summary
- Additional letters of support
- Media coverage, articles, and publications
- Examples of work
These materials will be requested directly from the nominator or nominee as needed during the review process.