CrimeCon Opens 2026 CLUE Awards Submissions for Best True Crime Podcasts & Media
CrimeCon, the world’s largest and most influential true crime conference, has officially opened submissions for the 2026 CLUE Awards, inviting creators across podcasting, television, film, and publishing to submit their work for consideration. The CLUE Awards recognize excellence, integrity, and impact in true crime storytelling, honoring creators who elevate the genre through responsible reporting, compelling narratives, and ethical production standards.
The winners of the 2026 CLUE Awards will be revealed on Saturday, May 30, 2026, during CrimeCon’s flagship annual event in Las Vegas, Nevada—a gathering that draws thousands of true crime fans, journalists, podcasters, investigators, authors, and industry executives from around the globe.
Launched to spotlight the highest standards in true crime content, the CLUE Awards stand apart from traditional entertainment honors by emphasizing:
Accuracy and integrity
Victim-centered storytelling
Ethical journalism
Meaningful cultural impact
Unlike popularity-driven awards, the CLUE Awards focus on quality, responsibility, and depth, making them one of the most respected accolades within the true crime ecosystem.
The awards program spans multiple formats, recognizing that modern true crime storytelling extends beyond podcasts into television, documentary film, books, and digital publishing.
CrimeCon 2026: The Global Hub of True Crime Media
A Flagship Event That Shapes the Industry
CrimeCon’s annual conference has evolved into the definitive gathering place for the true crime community, blending entertainment, education, advocacy, and networking.
Held in Las Vegas, the 2026 event will once again feature:
Live podcast recordings
Panels with journalists, detectives, and prosecutors
Sessions focused on victims’ rights and justice reform
Exclusive announcements and premieres
The highly anticipated CLUE Awards ceremony
The awards presentation has become a marquee moment, drawing attention from major media outlets, podcast networks, and streaming platforms.
CLUE Awards Categories Open for 2026 Submissions
CrimeCon has announced a diverse slate of categories that reflect the breadth of today’s true crime media landscape.
Podcasting Categories
Podcasting continues to dominate the true crime genre, and the CLUE Awards place special emphasis on audio storytelling:
Outstanding Episodic Podcast Series Recognizing single-case or theme-based podcasts released in episodic format.
Outstanding Podcast Docuseries Honoring long-form investigative or narrative-driven podcast series.
Television Categories
Television remains a powerful platform for true crime narratives:
Outstanding Scripted Series or Film Celebrating dramatized true crime productions that balance storytelling with factual integrity.
Outstanding Episodic Television Series For non-scripted episodic programs focused on crime and justice.
Outstanding Television Docuseries Highlighting serialized documentary projects with investigative depth.
Film and Publishing Categories
Outstanding Documentary Film Awarded to feature-length true crime documentaries released theatrically or via streaming platforms.
True Crime Book of the Year Recognizing excellence in long-form written journalism and investigative reporting.
Eligibility Criteria for 2026 CLUE Awards
To qualify for submission, projects must meet the following requirements:
Release Window: Projects must have premiered between May 31, 2025, and March 31, 2026
Availability: Content must be accessible within the United States
Format Compliance: Submissions must align with one of the designated award categories
This eligibility window ensures that the awards reflect the most current and impactful work shaping the true crime conversation.
How CLUE Awards Winners Are Selected
Judged by Industry Leaders and Experts
Unlike fan-voted awards, CLUE Award nominees and winners are selected by a third-party judging committee composed of highly respected industry professionals.
The selection panel includes:
Veteran journalists
Podcast producers
Network and streaming executives
Legal experts
Advocacy leaders
Past judging committees have featured senior executives and creatives from organizations such as:
Inside Crime
Campfire Studios
National Center for Victims of Crime
Law&Crime Network
Court TV
This independent evaluation process reinforces the credibility of the awards and ensures that winners are chosen based on merit rather than popularity.
CrimeCon’s Expanding Role in Podcasting
Red Seat Ventures’ Strategic Growth
CrimeCon is produced by Red Seat Ventures, a media company that has significantly expanded its footprint in podcasting over the past year.
The company’s deeper investment in audio storytelling reflects broader industry trends:
Continued growth of true crime podcasts
Increased demand for investigative audio journalism
Expansion of podcast adaptations into TV and film
By supporting creators across multiple platforms, CrimeCon has positioned itself as both a cultural curator and industry catalyst.
Submission Deadlines and Fees
Creators are encouraged to submit early to take advantage of discounted entry rates.
Key Dates to Remember
Early Submission Deadline: February 15, 2026 (Discounted submission fee)
Regular Submission Deadline: March 21, 2026
Late Submission Deadline: April 1, 2026
Detailed submission guidelines, fees, and requirements are available through CrimeCon’s official CLUE Awards portal.
Why the CLUE Awards Matter in Today’s Media Landscape
Raising Standards in a Crowded Genre
As true crime content continues to surge across platforms, concerns around sensationalism, misinformation, and ethical responsibility have intensified.
The CLUE Awards aim to:
Encourage responsible storytelling
Highlight projects that center victims and facts
Reward investigative rigor and journalistic ethics
For creators, a CLUE Award nomination or win signals industry recognition, professional credibility, and long-term career impact.
What Winning a CLUE Award Means for Creators
A CLUE Award can provide:
Increased visibility across platforms
Greater trust from audiences
Enhanced opportunities for partnerships and adaptations
Recognition from peers and industry leaders
For podcast networks, production companies, and publishers, the awards serve as a benchmark for excellence in true crime content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can submit to the CLUE Awards?
Any eligible creator, publisher, network, or production company with qualifying content released within the eligibility window.
Can independent creators apply?
Yes. Independent podcasters, filmmakers, and authors are encouraged to submit.
Are international creators eligible?
Yes, provided the project is available in the United States.
Are submissions judged anonymously?
Yes, judging focuses on content quality rather than creator notoriety.
The Future of True Crime Storytelling
With podcasting, streaming, and publishing converging more than ever, the CLUE Awards highlight where the genre is headed—toward deeper investigations, ethical responsibility, and innovative formats.
As CrimeCon prepares for its 2026 Las Vegas event, anticipation is building around which creators and stories will define the next chapter of true crime media.
Final Thoughts
The opening of submissions for the 2026 CLUE Awards marks a pivotal moment for creators across the true crime spectrum. By honoring work that balances storytelling with integrity, CrimeCon continues to shape the future of one of today’s most influential media genres.
Creators looking to gain industry recognition, expand their audience, and contribute meaningfully to the true crime conversation now have their opportunity.
