Best Investigative Reporting
$1,000 prize
For deeply reported investigations in print or digital formats that uncover hidden truths, challenge narratives, or expose systemic injustice.
Call for Entries • 2025
AMEJA Announces 2025 Awards
Celebrating exceptional courage, creativity, and commitment in journalism that deepens understanding of our communities.
In a year marked by unprecedented challenges, the AMEJA Awards offer recognition, solidarity, and a financial boost for journalists who carry so much yet still produce best-in-class reporting.
These awards celebrate exceptional courage, creativity, and commitment in journalism that deepens understanding of Arab, Middle Eastern, North African, and West Asian communities. At a time when press freedom is under threat worldwide, these awards highlight the stories that matter most to our community and the journalists behind them.
While each category welcomes a broad range of submissions, we are especially committed to uplifting work that brings nuance, accuracy, and humanity to coverage of these communities, particularly in North America.
Submission at a glance
Seven categories. $1,000 prize per category. Open to members and non-members, with category-specific eligibility and entry rules below.
Submission Window Closed
Categories
Award categories
Excellence in Opinion & Analysis
$1,000 prize
For commentary, essays, or explainers that shift understanding through insight, argument, and a distinctive analytical voice.
Best Culture & Lifestyle Reporting
$1,000 prize
For reporting that captures the richness of culture, identity, and daily life across food, arts, fashion, family, and more.
Best Visual Journalism
$1,000 prize
Recognizing photo essays, documentaries, or visual investigations that combine emotional depth, originality, and technical excellence.
Best Audio Journalism
$1,000 prize
For compelling podcasts, radio stories, and sound-driven reporting distinguished by strong production and storytelling.
Emerging Voices Award
$1,000 prize
For journalists age 30 and under whose reporting shows ambition, craft, and exceptional promise.
Walid El-Gabry Memorial Award
$1,000 prize • Members only
Honoring AMEJA’s co-founder and recognizing a standout member whose journalism reflects the mission and values of the organization.
Rules
Eligibility and timeline
Eligibility
- Work must have been published or aired between January 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025.
- Submissions must have been originally published or aired in English.
- Entry fee is $15 for AMEJA members, $55 for non-members.
- Applicants may submit up to five related pieces as a single entry.
- The same piece may be entered in multiple categories, with separate applications and fees.
- News organizations may submit up to three entries per category.
- Audio and video entries should include transcripts if possible.
- Paywalled entries must include bypass URLs or uploaded files for jurors.
Timeline
- Call for entries opens: September 1
- Submission deadline: September 30
- Finalists announced: November 3
- Awards ceremony: Mid-November
Questions?
Reach out at board@ameja.org.