The organisers of the True Crime Awards 2026 have officially announced an extension to the final submission deadline, offering creators across journalism, podcasting, film, publishing, and advocacy an additional opportunity to enter their work.
Following overwhelming interest and high submission volumes from the global true crime community, the new and final deadline for entries is 25 January 2026 at 11:59pm.
The extension comes as welcome news for professionals and independent creators alike who have produced impactful true crime storytelling over the past year but required additional time to finalise their submissions.
Now entering its fourth year, the True Crime Awards has rapidly established itself as one of the most respected platforms recognizing ethical, investigative, and socially responsible true crime storytelling in the UK and internationally.
According to award organisers, the decision to extend the submission deadline was driven by exceptional demand from creators across multiple formats and regions.
Over the past decade, true crime has evolved from a niche genre into a powerful storytelling medium that shapes public understanding of justice, accountability, and systemic failure. With this evolution has come an influx of creators producing deeply researched, victim-centred, and impact-driven work.
The deadline extension ensures that high-quality work is not excluded due to timing constraints, while maintaining the Awards’ commitment to editorial integrity and inclusivity.
The True Crime Awards honour excellence in storytelling that explores crime, justice, and societal impact through rigorous investigation, ethical reporting, and responsible narrative framing.
Unlike sensationalist crime coverage, the Awards prioritise:
Since their launch, the Awards have become a benchmark for credible and conscientious true crime storytelling, attracting entries from established media organisations and independent creators alike.
Here are the most important dates creators need to know:
With the extended deadline now confirmed, organisers have made it clear that this is the final window for entries, with no further extensions planned.
The Awards are open to a wide range of professionals and organisations working within the true crime and justice space. Eligible entrants include both UK-based and international creators.
Whether you are part of a major newsroom or an independent creator working solo, the Awards aim to reflect the diverse voices shaping the true crime genre today.
The 2026 edition features a comprehensive range of categories spanning multiple formats and disciplines, ensuring that storytelling excellence is recognised wherever it appears.
Reflecting the evolving media landscape, the Awards have introduced new categories focused on:
These additions recognise the growing influence of social media, online platforms, and non-traditional formats in raising awareness and driving accountability.
The true crime genre continues to face scrutiny over ethics, exploitation, and sensationalism. The True Crime Awards stand apart by actively promoting responsible storytelling standards.
Winning or being shortlisted for a True Crime Award offers creators:
For many creators, the Awards also serve as a platform to amplify stories that might otherwise remain unheard.
Submitting an entry is a straightforward online process designed to be accessible to both individuals and organisations.
Applicants are encouraged to take time to clearly articulate the journalistic value, ethical approach, and impact of their work.
With the extended deadline fast approaching, organisers are urging creators not to delay. The additional time is intended to provide a final opportunity, not a reason to postpone submission.
“This extension reflects the strength and diversity of work being produced across the true crime community. We want to ensure no deserving entry is missed.”
Submissions will close permanently at 11:59pm on 25 January 2026, after which judging will commence ahead of the London ceremony in June.
Once entries close:
Judging criteria include originality, accuracy, ethical responsibility, storytelling quality, and measurable impact.
As the genre continues to grow, the True Crime Awards play a crucial role in setting standards for how crime stories are told and why they matter.
By extending the submission deadline, the organisers have reaffirmed their commitment to inclusivity, quality, and recognition of work that informs the public while respecting those most affected by crime.
For creators who believe in responsible storytelling, this is the final chance to be part of the True Crime Awards 2026.
