The Award for Excellence in Arts Education honors an individual, group, nonprofit organization, or private entity that has made significant contributions in Arts Education in the District of Columbia by supporting the development of imagination and creativity in young people and demonstrating the value of the arts as essential to education. Honorees may include but are not limited to teachers in DC Public Schools, public charter schools, and independent arts education programs or practitioners. 

The Award for Excellence as a Community Arts Philanthropist honors an individual, group, nonprofit organization, or private entity who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and generosity in advancing the arts and creative culture within the District of Columbia. This accolade honors their significant contributions through impactful community advocacy, visionary philanthropic efforts, and steadfast support that enriches and sustains the local artistic community. 

The Award for Excellence in the Creative Industries honors an individual, business, nonprofit organization, or group that has made a significant contribution in the creative industries in the District of Columbia, through the direct production of their creative work, and through their leadership in developing the creative economy. Creative industry work and disciplines may include but are not limited to design arts, culinary arts, graphic designers, museums, lighting designers, sound engineers, crafters, event curators, festival organizers, and exhibitors. 

The Emerging Creative Award honors an individual in the arts or creative industry who is making significant strides at the outset of their career. This breakthrough award recognizes a visionary who is shaping the future of the arts and has made a substantial impact on the creative culture of the District of Columbia. 

The Award for Excellence in Fashion and Beauty Industries honors a business, individual, non-profit, or a collective group of Creatives that have made a significant contribution to the fashion and beauty communities in the District. This award category includes, but is not limited to: DC-based fashion and beauty retailers and designers; fashion event producers with a portfolio demonstrating engagement within the fashion community,  promoting DC as a fashion destination; technical curriculum-based sewing and fashion instructors; professional makeup artists and licensed beauty culture professionals such as cosmetologists, barbers, tattoo artists, and salon owners with a portfolio or body of work that exhibits significant community engagement and/or distinctive work in the arts and entertainment industries.

The Award for Excellence in Go-Go Music honors an individual, group, nonprofit organization, or private entity who has made significant contributions to the Go-Go music genre. This award recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Go-Go. Recipients of this award have shown an unwavering commitment to innovation, creativity, and community engagement, ensuring that Go-Go music continues to thrive and inspire future generations. Their efforts have not only elevated the genre within the local and national music scenes but have also reinforced its importance as a cornerstone of Washington, DC's unique cultural identity.

The Award for Excellence in the Humanities honors an individual, group, nonprofit organization, or private entity that has made significant contributions in the humanities in the District of Columbia through the direct practice and/or production of their work. Humanities disciplines may include but are not limited to literature, history, language, philosophy, anthropology, archeology, musicality, religion, and social science.

The Award for Excellence in Media Arts honors an individual, group, nonprofit organization, or private entity that has made significant contributions in Media Arts in the District of Columbia, through the direct practice and/or production of their artistic work. Media Arts disciplines honored may include, but are not limited to film, television, radio, podcasting, content creation, augmented reality/virtual reality production, game design, and other creative tech.

The Award for Excellence in the Nightlife Economy honors an individual, group, nonprofit organization, or private entity that has made a significant contribution to the nightlife economy of the District of Columbia through the direct production of events, activations, and establishments in the nightlife industry. The nightlife industry can include but is not limited to bars, clubs, lounges, entertainment venues, and nightlife promoters. 

The Award for Excellence in Performing Arts honors an individual, group, nonprofit organization, or private entity that has made significant contributions in the Performing Arts in the District of Columbia, through the direct practice and/or performance of their artistic work. Performing Arts disciplines honored may include but are not limited to: All dance disciplines and styles, including, but not limited to jazz, tap, ballet, modern, hip-hop, folk, and ballroom. Theatre practitioners, including, but not limited to actors and directors. Music community and organizations, including, but not limited to composers, singers, instrumentalists, bands, orchestras, small and large ensembles, and choruses.

The Award for Excellence in Visual Arts honors an individual, group, nonprofit organization, or private entity that has made significant contributions in Visual Arts in the District of Columbia, through the direct practice of their artistic work. Visual Arts disciplines honored may include, but are not limited to ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, design, photography, and crafts.

The Award for Excellence in Youth Creativity celebrates young creatives between the ages of 7-17. The award honors youth as follows: individuals, group performing artists, entrepreneurs, or businesses including but not limited to dance, music, writing, advocacy, photography and media. The youth must be at the helm and/or focus of the organization or movement that has/is creating and contributing to the District’s creative community. 

The Larry Neal Writers Award commemorates the artistic legacy of author, educator and activist the late Larry Neal, also the former Executive Director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH). The award honors an individual who has made a significant contribution in the District of Columbia through the direct practice or production of their work as a writer.  Written forms can include, but are not limited to fiction/non-fiction short stories, dramatic writing, playwriting, along with  poetry.