Welcome to the mutual back-slapping society of the Web. There's a dizzying variety of awards here; content awards, graphics awards, awards for service to specific interest groups, awards for awards--even one that gives awards only to awards with "cool" in their names. Even our editors have gotten into the act with their ability to "cool" directory sites.
Each award has many sides to it. Users simply want to know if award site's winners list will have links worth visiting (surfers, please also visit related categories listed here). Webmasters want to know if an award is something to be proud of, if it's achievable for them, and if it will bring them more visitors. Award site owners want to increase their own status, traffic, and traffic to their sponsors, if any.
Webmasters have many ways of approaching the submission process. There are automated services and software for the faint of heart and short of time, but the best way is to examine the awards (and a sampling of their winners) in detail, see if they meet your needs, and prepare a submission specifically for each award you desire. Don't chicken out on submitting for very selective awards; you can learn a lot by checklisting your site against their requirements, and you will also improve your submission skills. You will likely find that certain guides to awards are essential to making your time count.
Whether you're a user or a webmaster, happy hunting!
Recognizing Web sites with a local community slant. Evaluated on quality of family-friendly, local content and ease of navigation. http://www.arundel.org.uk/excellence/
Award presented to outstanding websites that promote travel, tourism and a sense of adventure. No other specific criteria posted. http://www.realadventures.com/mv/awards.mv
An award given by peer review for content related to anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, psychology and other social sciences. http://www.anthro.net/guides/award.shtml
Award offered to sites that support classic video and computer game communities. Minimal criteria beyond content requirements. http://www.icwhen.com/eye_site/
Annual interactive awards competition that recognizes excellence in interactive media production which includes websites, cd-roms, DVDs, and webcasting. http://www.horizoninteractiveawards.com
Information site developed by the Web Awards Community. Features a detailed history of Web awards, articles on the topic and a comprehensive FAQ. http://www.awardsscoop.org/
Award regognizes effort in Web development, using advanced concepts in design, coding and graphics. Minimal criteria listed on site. http://www.apcweb.com/webaward.htm
Recognition for sites that feature reviews. Minimal criteria includes requirement that sites be English language, created by non-professionals and maintain good layout. http://www.softcom.net/users/chili/awards/
The Web Marketing Association's award for overall excellence. Entries are submitted by interactive agencies or marketing and e-commerce departments worldwide. Site includes criteria, judges profiles, entry form and winners list. http://www.webaward.org
Annual European Online Journalism Awards. International judging panel determines awards in over 20 categories. Site features detailed criteria, winners list and online entry form. http://www.net-media.co.uk
Independent festival of graphic artists and web designers meeting to judge and evaluate each others creativity on the internet. http://www.webpageawards.com
Fee-based awards for Hawaii-related Web Sites. Point system requires innovation, easy navigation and a useful service to visitors. http://www.iakamai.com/awards/
Awards for Balinese-related sites. Code must be W3C compliant and sites must be well-designed, easy to navigate and contain unique content. http://www.baliweb.org/awards.html
Web design awards for middle and high school students. Includes detailed entry information and judging criteria plus areas for teachers and media. http://www.studentwebawards.com/
Monthly and annual awards for individual Web designers and graphic design firms. Includes detailed criteria and winners list. http://www.americandesignawards.com
Program with limited criteria that requires applicant sites have a hosted domain. Awards include Featured Site, Site of the Month and Site of the Year. http://www.websmarty.com
Fee-based international awards honoring websites, web ads, flash, CD's, kiosks and DVD's in over 80 categories. Site features detailed criteria, entry form and related FAQ. http://multimediaawards.com
Program with four award levels based on design, structure, and content of applicant sites. Includes criteria, scoring process and a winners list. http://awards.bontane.com/
Comprehensive awards program with multiple levels. Site includes detailed criteria, status tracking and a resource center. http://eutoda.altervista.org/
Award for personal domains and hobby sites, recognizing amateur web developers. Includes simple rules and voting procedures plus a winners list and update of nominated sites. http://www.darkallusion.net/symmetry/
Web award program that offers gold, silver and bronze awards to quality websites. Includes detailed criteria and process, self-test and winners list. http://gblawards.com
Award program for well-designed sites with dynamic content. Includes detailed criteria, online application and winners list. http://members.cox.net/sallypierce1/