ASME National Magazine Awards
American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME), in association with the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism · New York City, New York, USA
AG Process Grade
Grade A See the Award rubric →ASME's National Magazine Awards are a long-running (since 1966), peer-judged program run by the American Society of Magazine Editors in association with the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Selectivity is documented and high: the 2025 cycle drew 979 entries from 236 organizations across 18 categories with one winner per category (about 1.8%), following a multi-stage winnowing (long list to short list of 10 to 5 finalists to 1 winner) approved by the National Magazine Awards Board. Judging criteria and process are published, judges are volunteer peer editors and journalists, and entry fees ($95-$495) are within norms for a major national award with no mandatory post-win fee to claim the trophy. Winners are published and verifiable. Ceremony/gala and logo-licensing costs were not disclosed in the sources reviewed and were removed from the denominator (not penalized). Every disclosed criterion is verified good, yielding 96/96.
Founded 1966 · American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME), in association with the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism · HQ New York City, New York, USA · Media, Film & Digital Content · Entry Paid
The National Magazine Awards (the 'Ellies'), presented annually since 1966 by the American Society of Magazine Editors in association with the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, recognize excellence in print and digital magazine journalism; for the 2025 (60th) cycle, 236 media organizations submitted 979 entries across 18 National Magazine Award categories, judged by a panel that ASME reported as 252 writers, editors, art directors, photo editors and journalism educators who select five finalists including one winner per category.
Profile data
| Organizer | American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME), in association with the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism |
| Location | New York City, New York, USA |
| Entry fee | $395 |
| Cost to receive award | Undisclosed |
| Winner rate | 1.8%), well under 10% |
| Selection authority | Mixed |
| Data confidence | ● Fully documented |
| Official site | https://ellieawards.secure-platform.com/a/page/about(nofollow) |
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Industry Alternatives
Other awards in the same industry (Media, Film & Digital Content), graded A or B -- real judging, disclosed criteria, and genuine selectivity.