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8th NZCS Awards for cinematography entries

  • 13 Jul 2025
  • 11:59 PM

Registration

  • Student at a recognised film course at the time of filming the entry.
  • Created specifically for social media. For the new generation of content creators working with low budgets
  • Music or concert item for a single track or song
  • Short stand-alone scripted productions of less than 20 mins duration.
  • Topical news or current affairs stories or segments broadcast on regular television news, current affairs programs, or released through other outlets
  • Light entertainment human-interest productions or segments.
  • Productions specifically shot for a corporate or educational market. Includes infomercials which may appear similar to commercials but are longer than 120 seconds
  • Productions usually dealing with people or wildlife in relation to their community or environment. Entries may include feature documentaries, or an episode from a documentary series.
  • Maximum duration 120 seconds. Includes all distribution channels including online.
  • Recognises digital tools, virtual production, image generation, or other non-traditional techniques.
  • Second unit sequences, or specialised like ultrahigh speed, miniatures, underwater, wildlife, time lapse, and aerial photography.
  • A standalone New Zealand drama production, dramatised documentary, comedy, or one episode from a series.
  • A stand-alone international drama production, dramatised documentary, comedy, or episode from a series.
  • Feature films that have been released theatrically
  • Films that have been released theatrically.


NZCS Awards 2025

Excellence in Cinematography

The 8th New Zealand Cinematographer Awards shines a spotlight on the craft, creativity, and talent behind the wide ranging and world-class cinematography in Aotearoa. 

This year you will see more opportunities to cinematographers at all stages of their careers with an extended AL Guildford Awards for emerging cinematographers. With each entrant limited to one award per category the podium is further opened to a wider range of cinematographers. 

The media submission process is now quicker and easier, along with other refinements. Be sure to read the Guide to the Awards page and Guide to Categories page to get the details before you begin.

Earning a Gold, Silver, or Bronze NZCS Award is a mark of distinction and a career milestone recognised on IMDB. Multiple awards can be given in each category, so that excellence is recognised across budgets and production scales.

To enter, you need to be a member of NZCS but you may join prior to entering. 

How to enter

  1. Ensure your productions were released between 1 January 2023 and 13 June 2025.
  2. Choose the category
  3. Register each entry.
  4. Submit your media submission by the closing date on 13 July 2025

Join us on 18 October for a night of storytelling, recognition, and celebration at the NZCS Awards Gala. Tickets on sale from September. 


Major National Sponsor


The Xytech Group is Xytech Film Rentals, EMP Digital Technologies (EMP), X3 Studios and X3:XR.


Platinum Sponsors


Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors


Bronze Sponsors

*2024 Sponsors



NZCS Major National Sponsor


NZCS Platinum Sponsors



NZCS Gold Sponsors


NZCS Awards Silver Sponsors


NZCS Awards Bronze Sponsors


NZCS Awards additional in-kind sponsors



 



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