Why was this award created?

The New Mexico Entertainment Awards were founded to highlight the outstanding individuals making waves in the New Mexico entertainment and events industry while promoting a positive image of New Mexico.

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Is this a Best Of Award?

While we believe New Mexico entertainment and events are exceptional, this award is NOT a "Best Of" award. We seek nominees who exemplify quality, positivity, and respect in their work. This award offers them a moment of recognition. We have a "Top" List, which is the final result after meeting the criteria, evaluating their work, and gathering feedback from peers and the community. What makes this award unique is witnessing these positive individuals support and encourage each other, regardless of whether they are nominated.

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What is the voting schedule?

Community Submissions: January 1st - March 1st, 2025

Voting Process: March 15th, 2025 - May 17th, 2025

Awards Gala: July 12th, 2025

(After our panel reviews the nominees' work and confirms they meet the criteria, we will announce the Top Five in each category, and voting will commence on March 15th until May 17th, 2025. We will award winners at our Awards Gala on July 12th, 2025.)

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What are the qualifications for being nominated?

We have the following criteria in determining who is nominated for the Top list:​

• Voting will cover work from January 2024 - December 2024.*

• Nominee(s) should reside or do business in New Mexico. If a band or performance group is nominated, up to 50% of the members should live in New Mexico.

• The nominee must entertain the New Mexican public consistently - up to 60% of the calendar year (roughly ten local performances a year).

• Performers/Actors/Musicians must be able to provide recent work of their performances (flyers, video, etc.)

• Nominee(s) should have a current social media presence focusing on their nominated craft.

• A positive attitude and respect towards the people they work with, their peers, and their guests/attendees.

• The nominee is about entertaining the audience/patrons, not themselves.

• Submissions require contact information, including a work email, social media pages, or a work number, to be considered.

*Please note: Final choices are not only based on votes.

LIMIT TO ONE NOMINATION PER CATEGORY.

Nominees will be notified by email of their nomination and must accept it by March 10th or be removed.

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Can someone be nominated to more than one category?

Yes, as long as the nominee fits the criteria.

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Is the winner based on community votes?

No, the winner is not solely determined by community votes. Unlike other awards, we consider various factors when selecting a nominee. While nominees may campaign for votes, we also evaluate their overall body of work and their impact on their peers and community. This award is not for everyone, which sets it apart from others.

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A popular event didn't win. Is that normal?

This award is not focused on selecting the most popular event. With numerous events produced in New Mexico, we aim to showcase them and demonstrate that the most popular events are not the only ones worth experiencing.

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Are others involved in deciding who should be nominated?

New Mexico Entertainment collaborates with those in the entertainment and events community to gather feedback. We rely on input from the community, industry peers, and our observations throughout the nomination year to create each year's list.

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Is it true that nominees pay for their votes and that's why they're on the list?

No. The New Mexico Entertainment Awards does not charge nominees or community members to vote.

Starting this year, to reduce the errors of nominations submitted by the community and to streamline the submission process, the New Mexico Entertainment Awards will charge a nominal entry fee of $10. This does not guarantee winning an award or a place on our list. The funds collected will be allocated towards the awards show in July.

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Are only New Mexico-born residents eligible?

New Mexico is a diverse community with both native-born and transplanted individuals. As long as the nominee meets our criteria, they are eligible for consideration.

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What if there is an error with a nomination?

We strive for accuracy when we release our Top List after Community Suggestions, but we are human. If you find an error with a name, category, or other information, contact us immediately at nmentertains@gmail.com to update us.

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*This FAQ page will update as new questions arise.