CrimeCon Opens Submissions for 2nd Annual “CLUE Awards”

CrimeCon, the world’s leading true crime event, has opened submissions for its 2nd annual CLUE Awards, the preeminent awards program dedicated entirely to excellence and responsible storytelling in true crime content, across TV, documentary film, podcasts and publishing.

The 2023 CLUE Awards will be presented at an awards gala on Saturday, September 23 in Orlando, FL at CrimeCon’s annual, three-day flagship event. CrimeCon attracts thousands of attendees from across the globe for an immersive experience that connects true crime fans, creators and professionals for a weekend filled with education, understanding and advocacy.

CLUE submissions are now open and will be accepted through the program’s final deadline on July 31 (discounted early submissions accepted until June 9). Nominations will be announced in August – the full schedule follows below.

Nominees and winners will be determined by CrimeCon’s selection committee, comprised of a wide range of producers, network and streaming executives, and other creatives and industry leaders, representing all sectors of the true crime genre. The 2022 committee included high-level executives and acclaimed creatives from companies including NBCU, Spotify, Discovery, People Magazine, Simon & Schuster, Anonymous Content, HLN, Wondery, Campfire Studios, Law & Crime Network and iHeartMedia, among others

The 2023 CLUE Awards will honor projects in each of the following categories:

1. Television: “Outstanding Episodic Series”
2. Television: “Outstanding Docuseries”
3. Podcasting: “Outstanding Episodic Series”
4. Podcasting: “Outstanding Docuseries”
5. “Outstanding Documentary Film”
6. “True Crime Book of the Year”

Additionally, CLUE will present the second annual “Crimefighter of the Year” award, which was created to spotlight one individual or organization’s significant impact and commitment to seeking justice for crime victims. The Black and Missing Foundation was first to receive this honor at the inaugural ceremony in 2022.

The timeline for the 2023 CLUE Awards is as follows:

• Submissions Open: Monday, May 22
• Deadline for Early Submissions: Friday, June 9 (discounted rate)
• Deadline for Regular Submissions: Monday, July 10
• Deadline for Final Submissions: Monday, July 31
• Nominations Announced: August 2023
• CrimeCon CLUE Awards Ceremony at the World Center Marriott in Orlando:

Saturday, September 23

Eligible projects must have premiered in the following window: January 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023. Only unscripted and/or nonfiction content is eligible, and projects must be available in the United States. All submission guidelines, eligibility criteria and entry fees can be found HERE.

“The response we received to the inaugural CLUE Awards was overwhelmingly positive and incredibly encouraging,” said CrimeCon Founder and Executive Producer Kevin Balfe. “These awards were designed to honor creators who, responsibly and poignantly, highlight stories of justice, tragedy and advocacy. In recognizing and amplifying these powerful projects, we hope CLUE can be a positive force in the true crime space.”

About CrimeCon

CrimeCon is an immersive three-day experience for true crime fans, creators and leading industry professionals. Since its launch in 2017, CrimeCon has connected thousands of true crime enthusiasts with the mysteries, cases and issues that intrigue them. With a heavy focus on education, CrimeCon features speakers, panels, breakout sessions, hands-on experiences and more, allowing fans to completely delve into the world of true crime. Created by fans, for fans, CrimeCon brings together the true crime community for a weekend filled with learning, understanding and advocacy. The event is produced by Red Seat Ventures, a digital media company based in New York City. For more information, visit www.CrimeCon.com.