312 AWARDS OFFICIALLY OPENS NOMINATIONS, CALLING ON CHICAGO TO RECOGNIZE ITS TOP ARTISTS, CREATIVES, ENTREPRENEURS & COMMUNITY LEADERS
312 AWARDS OFFICIALLY OPENS NOMINATIONS, CALLING ON CHICAGO TO RECOGNIZE ITS TOP ARTISTS, CREATIVES, ENTREPRENEURS & COMMUNITY LEADERS
The 312 Awards officially announces that nominations are now open, giving Chicago and surrounding communities the opportunity to nominate the artists, entertainers, creatives, entrepreneurs, media personalities, and community leaders making an impact.
The 312 Awards were created to shine a spotlight on the talent and culture that make Chicago one of the most influential creative cities in the world.
From music and entertainment to media, film, fashion, business, and community leadership, the awards celebrate individuals and organizations who are building, creating, inspiring, and representing the 312.
NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
The 2026 nomination categories include:
Music
- Breakthrough Artist of the Year
- Male Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
- Female Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
- Male R&B Artist of the Year
- Female R&B Artist of the Year
- Drill/Trap Artist of the Year
- House Artist of the Year
- Gospel Song of the Year
- Afrobeat Artist of the Year
- Latin Artist of the Year
- Collaboration of the Year
- Producer of the Year
- Songwriter of the Year
- Male DJ of the Year
- Female DJ of the Year
- Band/Group of the Year
Media & Digital
- Media Outlet of the Year
- Radio Personality of the Year
- Podcast of the Year
- Content Creator of the Year
- Photographer of the Year
- Videographer of the Year
Film & Entertainment
- Actor of the Year
- Actress of the Year
- Comedian of the Year
- Author of the Year
- Poet of the Year
- Independent Series of the Year
- Independent Film of the Year
Business, Fashion & Community
- Small Business of the Year
- Clothing Brand of the Year
- Community Leader of the Year
- Nonprofit Organization of the Year
Creative & Production
- Film Director of the Year
- Film Editor of the Year
- Audio Engineer of the Year
- Graphic Designer of the Year
- Creative Artist of the Year
WHO CAN BE NOMINATED?
Nominations are open to Chicago-based and Chicago-connected artists, creatives, businesses, organizations, entertainers, media professionals, and community leaders who are making an impact.
Fans, supporters, industry professionals, organizations, and nominees themselves are encouraged to participate.
One nomination can help put a deserving name on the map.
HOW TO NOMINATE
Nominators should provide the nominee's name, select the appropriate award category, provide a social media handle or supporting link, and submit the nomination through the official 312 Awards nomination form.
Nominations are officially OPEN beginning September 3, 2026.
Nominate now:
www.312musicaward.com
ABOUT THE 312 AWARDS
The 312 Awards celebrate the people, brands, businesses, and organizations shaping Chicago's culture and creative community. The platform is designed to recognize established names while also creating opportunities for emerging talent to receive the visibility and recognition they deserve.
The 312 represents more than a telephone area code — it's a culture, a movement, and a city full of talent.
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