Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Submission & Key Dates

Are there free resources available?

ElevenLabs may provide additional resources to eligible participants via https://submit.chromaawards.com/pack. There is no entry fee to participate.

When do submissions open? When do they close?

Submissions open Monday, October 19th, 2026 (12:00pm Pacific Time) and close January 7th, 2027 (11:45pm Pacific Time) at https://submit.chromaawards.com/

When are the winners announced?

Winners will be announced on or around Thursday, February 11th, 2027 (10:00pm Pacific Time).

How do I submit my work?

Submit your project at https://submit.chromaawards.com/ using a publicly viewable, web-hosted link (not private, password-protected, or unlisted) that can be embedded in our Project Gallery. All submissions must also include a download link and thumbnail.

Can I submit works I made previously?

Yes, projects created before the Submission Period are accepted, as long as they have not been submitted to a prior season of the Chroma Awards or Project Odyssey.

Can I make multiple submissions?

There is no limit on the number of submissions, as long as each submission is unique and substantially different from your other submissions.

You can submit to multiple categories or make multiple submissions to the same category.

  • For example, you COULD submit 2 different projects to the Animation & Anime category.

  • For example, you COULD submit 3 different projects to the Action & Adventure, Comedy & Mockumentary, and Electronic & EDM categories.

  • For example, you COULD NOT submit the same project to the Action & Adventure, Comedy & Mockumentary, and Electronic & EDM categories.

Submission & Key Dates

Are there free resources available?

ElevenLabs may provide additional resources to eligible participants via https://submit.chromaawards.com/pack. There is no entry fee to participate.

When do submissions open? When do they close?

Submissions open Monday, October 19th, 2026 (12:00pm Pacific Time) and close January 7th, 2027 (11:45pm Pacific Time) at https://submit.chromaawards.com/

When are the winners announced?

Winners will be announced on or around Thursday, February 11th, 2027 (10:00pm Pacific Time).

How do I submit my work?

Submit your project at https://submit.chromaawards.com/ using a publicly viewable, web-hosted link (not private, password-protected, or unlisted) that can be embedded in our Project Gallery. All submissions must also include a download link and thumbnail.

Can I submit works I made previously?

Yes, projects created before the Submission Period are accepted, as long as they have not been submitted to a prior season of the Chroma Awards or Project Odyssey.

Can I make multiple submissions?

There is no limit on the number of submissions, as long as each submission is unique and substantially different from your other submissions.

You can submit to multiple categories or make multiple submissions to the same category.

  • For example, you COULD submit 2 different projects to the Animation & Anime category.

  • For example, you COULD submit 3 different projects to the Action & Adventure, Comedy & Mockumentary, and Electronic & EDM categories.

  • For example, you COULD NOT submit the same project to the Action & Adventure, Comedy & Mockumentary, and Electronic & EDM categories.

Rules & Requirements

Am I required to use tools from our sponsors?
No, you're free to use any AI or creative tools. 

However, to qualify for Sponsored Tool Awards, you must use the sponsor's tool in a significant way, include the relevant "Tool Tag", and provide proof in the form of a brief explanation, screenshot, or estimated percentage.

Is PG-13 and R-rated content allowed?
Submissions featuring explicit sexual content, graphic violence, strongly suggestive imagery, or discriminatory language, especially involving minors, will be disqualified. If it's not allowed on YouTube or social media, it is not eligible for The Chroma Awards.

Can I use IP that I don't own? Can I replicate the likeness of real people?

No, to avoid DMCAs and takedown requests, the following are prohibited unless you’ve been granted explicit permission, have a paid license or it is within the public domain:

  • IP (characters, brands, logos, cinematic universes, footage, etc)

  • Voice or visual deepfakes.

Can I use music I don't own or that wasn't made with AI?
No, to avoid DMCAs and takedown requests, you must use:

  • Original music you created

  • Music you’ve licensed (e.g. stock or public domain)

  • Music you’ve been given explicit permission to use (by the artist or a friend)

  • Music generated entirely by AI.

Are there length limits?
Yes, please check your specific category to be aware of any length limits.

Do submissions need to be in English?

All non-Music Video Division submissions must be either voiced or subtitled in English for judging. Foreign languages are welcome as long as English subtitles are included, and submissions with neither dialogue nor subtitles are also accepted.

Rules & Requirements

Am I required to use tools from our sponsors?
No, you're free to use any AI or creative tools. 

However, to qualify for Sponsored Tool Awards, you must use the sponsor's tool in a significant way, include the relevant "Tool Tag", and provide proof in the form of a brief explanation, screenshot, or estimated percentage.

Is PG-13 and R-rated content allowed?
Submissions featuring explicit sexual content, graphic violence, strongly suggestive imagery, or discriminatory language, especially involving minors, will be disqualified. If it's not allowed on YouTube or social media, it is not eligible for The Chroma Awards.

Can I use IP that I don't own? Can I replicate the likeness of real people?

No, to avoid DMCAs and takedown requests, the following are prohibited unless you’ve been granted explicit permission, have a paid license or it is within the public domain:

  • IP (characters, brands, logos, cinematic universes, footage, etc)

  • Voice or visual deepfakes.

Can I use music I don't own or that wasn't made with AI?
No, to avoid DMCAs and takedown requests, you must use:

  • Original music you created

  • Music you’ve licensed (e.g. stock or public domain)

  • Music you’ve been given explicit permission to use (by the artist or a friend)

  • Music generated entirely by AI.

Are there length limits?
Yes, please check your specific category to be aware of any length limits.

Do submissions need to be in English?

All non-Music Video Division submissions must be either voiced or subtitled in English for judging. Foreign languages are welcome as long as English subtitles are included, and submissions with neither dialogue nor subtitles are also accepted.

Judging & Prizes

What are the judging criteria?

Submissions are scored from 1-10 on four equally weighted criteria: Theme & Division Purpose (25%), Creativity & AI Innovation (25%), Craft & Technical Polish (25%), and Sound & Emotional Impact (25%).

How does judging occur and how will finalists be selected?

Judging takes place in rounds: Preliminary Judging (a pass/fail check plus a 1-10 score), Qualifiers (top 66% per category advance), Quarter Finals (top 50 per category advance), Semi-Finals (top 22 per category advance), and Finals, where up to four finalist judges score each project to determine placements. Sponsor Award finalists are scored separately by sponsor-selected judges.

What are the prizes?

Prizes include cash awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Top 11, and Top 22 placements, VIP Gala Travel Packages and Gala invites to our Awards Ceremony Gala (around April 2027), and Student Awards with a $5,500 stipend tied to a Summer 2027 internship. Full details: https://chromaawards.com/prizes

Judging & Prizes

What are the judging criteria?

Submissions are scored from 1-10 on four equally weighted criteria: Theme & Division Purpose (25%), Creativity & AI Innovation (25%), Craft & Technical Polish (25%), and Sound & Emotional Impact (25%).

How does judging occur and how will finalists be selected?

Judging takes place in rounds: Preliminary Judging (a pass/fail check plus a 1-10 score), Qualifiers (top 66% per category advance), Quarter Finals (top 50 per category advance), Semi-Finals (top 22 per category advance), and Finals, where up to four finalist judges score each project to determine placements. Sponsor Award finalists are scored separately by sponsor-selected judges.

What are the prizes?

Prizes include cash awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Top 11, and Top 22 placements, VIP Gala Travel Packages and Gala invites to our Awards Ceremony Gala (around April 2027), and Student Awards with a $5,500 stipend tied to a Summer 2027 internship. Full details: https://chromaawards.com/prizes

Participation & Terms of Service

What are the Terms of Service

See the Official Rules, Terms of Service, Community Guidelines, and Conditions at https://chromaawards.com/terms

Who owns my project?

You retain full ownership rights to your project. By participating, you grant the Chroma Awards and our sponsors permissions to spotlight your project online, in social media posts, and in other marketing materials (i.e. a presentation at a conference). The Chroma Awards and Sponsors are in no way allowed to re-sell, re-distribute, or sub-license your project.

Can I post my film on social media?
Yes you are encouraged to post your film on social media. Please tag us on our various platforms.

Can I participate if I’m under 18?

No, you must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority where you reside, whichever is older) at the time of entry.

What countries or regions can participate?

Residents of Russia, or of any country, state, province, or territory subject to comprehensive OFAC sanctions (including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the annexed regions of Ukraine) are not eligible. Participants also cannot be on the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, and employees or officials of any government body or agency (and their family members) are not eligible. The Competition is void where prohibited by law.

Participation & Terms of Service

What are the Terms of Service

See the Official Rules, Terms of Service, Community Guidelines, and Conditions at https://chromaawards.com/terms

Who owns my project?

You retain full ownership rights to your project. By participating, you grant the Chroma Awards and our sponsors permissions to spotlight your project online, in social media posts, and in other marketing materials (i.e. a presentation at a conference). The Chroma Awards and Sponsors are in no way allowed to re-sell, re-distribute, or sub-license your project.

Can I post my film on social media?
Yes you are encouraged to post your film on social media. Please tag us on our various platforms.

Can I participate if I’m under 18?

No, you must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority where you reside, whichever is older) at the time of entry.

What countries or regions can participate?

Residents of Russia, or of any country, state, province, or territory subject to comprehensive OFAC sanctions (including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the annexed regions of Ukraine) are not eligible. Participants also cannot be on the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, and employees or officials of any government body or agency (and their family members) are not eligible. The Competition is void where prohibited by law.