CosFest has 3 award categories: Craftsmanship, Presentation, and Best in Show.

In addition, there is a Youth Achievement award to recognize outstanding craftsmanship and/or presentation by someone who is under 18 years of age.

Craftsmanship

Craftsmanship awards are given solely on the basis of costume quality: construction technique, accuracy, interpretation, adaptation, design, and execution. Performance content does not factor into craftsmanship awards.

There are two types of Craftsmanship awards: Group and Individual. Every person competing in the craftsmanship category may choose whether to compete as part of a Group, as an Individual, or both.

The Group category is for entries consisting of more than one person. The costumes may have been created by multiple people or a single person. To be eligible for a Group Craftsmanship award, all members in your entry must be judged as part of the group and you must all be judged at the same time.

The Individual category is for a single person, either entering alone or as part of a group, who constructed their own costume and any accompanying props entirely by themselves.

Being judged as an Individual does not preclude you from being judged as part of a Group - we actually encourage you to be judged as both. Similarly, multiple people entering together are not required to be judged as a Group; if you wish to only be judged as separate Individuals, that's fine.

Please be aware that if someone chooses to be judged both as an Individual and as part of a Group, there is the possibility that this person may be picked out from the rest of the entry for a single award. If you only wish to be eligible for Group recognition, then you should only choose Group craftsmanship judging.

Presentation

Presentation awards are given on performance merits, such as entertainment factor and how well they show off and represent your costumes.

Only Skit type entries in CosFest are considered for Presentation awards. Walk-ons are meant for those who do not wish to incorporate a performance aspect in their entry (particularly, those who only wish to compete for craftsmanship).

If you plan on doing something other than walking on stage, doing a couple turns, and exiting and you wish to be considered for Presentation awards, you should sign up as a Skit entry. You do not have to fill the entire two minutes. It is definitely possible to give an effective performance that only lasts for a minute or less.

Best in Show

Best in Show is the best overall combination of craftsmanship AND presentation. This award measures excellence in both categories.

To be considered for Best in Show, you must participate in Craftsmanship judging and perform as a Skit-type entry. If your entry consists of multiple people, your craftsmanship must be judged as a Group.

Awards List

The following major awards will be given out, accompanied by cash prizes:

• Best in Show ($300)
• Best Group Craftsmanship ($180)
• Best Individual Craftsmanship ($80)
• Best Presentation ($150)

The judges will also give out additional awards as they deem merited, similar to the ICG style of awarding. We also have additional non-cash prizes.

Presentation and Craftsmanship will be judged separately from one another. The exception is the Best in Show award, which must reflect excellence in both categories. Additionally, there is a Youth Achievement award to reflect craftsmanship and/or presentation excellence in contestants under 18.