Another year of the New Mexico Entertainment Awards begins with Community Submissions!
The New Mexico Entertainment Awards (NMEA) nomination process is officially underway and it’s all about celebrating the exceptional talent and creativity that make New Mexico’s entertainment and events scene so vibrant. From now until March 1st, the New Mexico community has the opportunity to nominate your favorite local artists, businesses, and events across various categories—but there’s a new twist this year: a $10 nomination fee has been introduced to help support the growth and sustainability of this beloved event.
The New Mexico Entertainment Awards were created to recognize and honor the diverse talents that enrich the Land of Enchantment. From filmmakers and musicians to venues and festivals, the awards showcase the very best New Mexico has to offer. By nominating your favorites, you’re not just celebrating their achievements—you’re helping to highlight the importance of local talent and encouraging the community to continue thriving.
The introduction of the $10 nomination fee serves a dual purpose: it supports the operational costs of running the awards and ensures the event continues to grow and evolve in the years to come. Every nomination represents an investment in the creative community and demonstrates a commitment to acknowledging and uplifting local talent.
Nominating is simple. Visit the official NMEA website at the New Mexico Entertainment Awards to explore the categories and submit your nominations. The nomination form is user-friendly, allowing you to quickly and easily vote for your favorite entertainers and establishments. Remember, nominations close on March 1st, so don’t wait too long to share your input!
As we gear up for this year’s awards, it’s worth looking back at some of the 2024 winners who exemplified excellence in their respective fields:
ICON Award: Chef Manuel Mancillas
Top Annual Events: River of Lights
Top Monthly Events: Electric Playhouse Drag Brunch
Top Weekly Events: The Show at The Box
Top Event Producer: Neal Copperman - AMP Concerts
Top Production Studio: Netflix Albuquerque Studios
Top Production - Featured Film: Frybread Face and Me
Top Production - Series: BandsofEnchantment
Top Television Station: KNME-TV
Top Television Personality: Tessa Mentus - KOB 4
Top Radio Station: KUNM 89.9
Top Radio Personality: Erica Viking - Coyote 1025
Top Podcast: True Consequences - A True Crime Podcast
Top Podcast Host: Johnny James - Respect the Connect
Top Theatre Venue: Albuquerque Little Theater
Top Theatrical Production: RENT - Musical Theatre Southwest
Top Actor (in a Musical) David Stallings - A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder - Santa Fe Playhouse
Top Actress (in a Musical): Rikki Carroll - A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder - Santa Fe Playhouse
Top Actor (in a Play): Westin Huffman - The Play That Goes Wrong - Albuquerque Little Theatre
Top Actress (in a Play): Abby Van Gerpen - Dracula - Vortex Theatre
Top Costume Designer: Chris Appleton
Top Live Music and Performance Venue: Launchpad
Top Performing Arts Group: The Exodus Ensemble
Top Dance Company: Belisama Irish Dance & Rhythm Sol
Top Drag Performer - Queen: Vanessa Patricks
Top Drag Performers - King: Phantom Nips
Top Burlesque Performer: Juni Beurre Amie Faraday
Top Musical Artist - SOLO - Rock: Matt Jones
Top Musical Artist - GROUP - Rock: Red Light Cameras
Top Musical Artist - SOLO - Metal: Sage Haskelchi'i Cornelius
Top Musical Artist - GROUP - Metal: Suspended
Top Musical Artist - GROUP - Punk: Smoking Dolls
Top Musical Artist - GROUP - Alternative: No Manners
Top Musical Artist - SOLO - Jazz / Blues: Tracey Whitney
Top Musical Artist - GROUP - Jazz / Blues: Le Chat Lunatique
Top Musical Artist - Hip-Hop/Rap: Sisk Sisk
Top Musical Artist - R&B: Mike Baty
Top Musical Artist - SOLO - Funk: Kevin Kookie Jones
Top Musical Artist - GROUP - Funk: Blot Xenia
Top Musical Artist - SOLO - Country & Western: Sarah Rowe
Top Musical Artist - GROUP - Country & Western: Coalesce Blue
Top Musical Artist - SOLO - American Roots: Justin Nuñez
Top Musical Artist - GROUP - American Roots: Bellowing Bear
Top Musical Artist - Reggae: The Riddims
Top Musical Artist - SOLO - Latin/Tejano/Global Music: Candace Vargas
Top Musical Artist - GROUP - Latin/Tejano/Global Music: Nosotros
Top Cover Band: ABBAquerque
Top Musical Front Person/Lead Singer: Amanda Machon - Red Light Cameras
Top Spoken Word Artist: Gigi Bella
Top Comic Host: Royal A. Wood III
Top Comedy Venue: Dry Heat Comedy Club
Top Stand-Up Comic: Joshua Fournier
Top Fine Art Venue: New Mexico Museum of Art
Top Artist: Patrick CloudFace Burnham
Top Immersive Art Venue: Electric Playhouse
Top Photographer: Nathaniel Tetsuro Paolinelli
Top Author: Sonja Dewing
Top Bookstore: Books on the Bosque
Top Sports Team - Professional: New Mexico United
Top Sports Team - Alternative: Albuquerque Roller Derby
Top Nightclub: Albuquerque Social Club
Top DJ: Spunjy Hicks
Top Brewery: Santa Fe Brewing Company
Top Distillery: Hollow Spirits
Top Restaurant: Nexus Blue Smokehouse
Top Chef: Mike White
These winners serve as a reminder of the incredible talent in our state, and this year’s nominees will no doubt continue to raise the bar.
The New Mexico Entertainment Awards are more than just an event; they’re a reflection of the community’s dedication to its creative landscape. Community input is crucial in ensuring that every nomination and vote represents the true spirit of New Mexico. Your participation—whether through nominating, attending, or spreading the word—is what keeps this event alive and thriving.
Local talent often faces unique challenges, from limited resources to competition with larger markets. By supporting initiatives like the NMEA, you’re helping to create a platform that amplifies voices, celebrates diversity, and fosters growth within the entertainment industry.
Don’t miss the chance to make your voice heard and be a part of something truly special. Submit your nominations, encourage your friends and family to do the same, and let’s make the 2025 New Mexico Entertainment Awards a celebration to remember.
Visit the New Mexico Entertainment Awards today to learn more and take part in shaping the future of New Mexico’s entertainment industry. Together, we can continue to shine a spotlight on the talent that makes our state extraordinary.
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