The 2025 Real Media Awards are now officially open for entries, with more than 30 categories including both major and specialised awards.
With a creative theme for 2025 of ‘What’s your Pantone?’, the 33rd iteration of the Awards will once again celebrate individuality, innovation and identity, with event organiser, the Visual Media Association (VMA), inviting entrants to “explore the power of colour in storytelling and communication”.
According to the VMA, it is a theme that speaks to the bold ideas and vibrant impact defining the work of the print industry in 2025.
The Real Media Awards recognises the creative and effective work achieved through strong partnerships developed by businesses within the visual media industry and their clients.
The VMA says that the Real Media Awards gives the opportunity to showcase the outstanding campaigns a business has delivered, while also being honoured and rewarded for the great work created.
“Each year, the Real Media Awards celebrate the exceptional work our industry produces across print, publishing, media and marketing,” said Kellie Northwood, CEO of the VMA.
“With the 2025 theme, ‘What’s Your Pantone?’, we want to provoke a conversation about how colour reflects brand, message and medium. It is about defining your space with confidence and creativity.”
The VMA says the Awards continues to represent excellence across the full spectrum of media and marketing production, with entries assessed on creativity, strategy, execution, effectiveness, and innovation.
The Association has produced a 2025 Entry Guide to assist with submissions, which includes submissions, category details, and tips for crafting standout entries.
To register for the event, submit entries, or for more details, click here. Entries close on Friday 29 August.
Awards categories
The Major Awards are the pinnacle of recognition for the event, and honours outstanding performance, partnership, and innovation across the visual media landscape.
Major Awards categories include:
- Brand of the Year
- Publisher of the Year
- Retailer of the Year
- Agency of the Year
- Judge’s Choice
- Best Emerging Designer
- Best Emerging Talent
- Loyalty Program of the Year
In addition to the Majors, awards are also presented to categories within several sectors, all of which recognises excellence across creative and production specialisations within the media, print and marketing industry.
Specialised Category Awards will cover the following sectors:
- Retail
- Business and Consumer Communications
- Publishing and Editorial
- Agency and Creative Excellence
- Media and Campaign Effectiveness
- Packaging and Labels
- Sustainability and Innovation
- Digital Integration