The Society of Camera Operators (SOC) Awards will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, honoring Camera Operator of the Year in both Film and Television, as well as the Technical Achievement Award.

In recognition of the challenges faced by both our members and our sponsors due to the prolonged and devastating slowdown in US production, the 2026 SOC Awards will be held virtually. Our traditional black-tie event with lavish tributes to Lifetime Achievers in all categories will resume when the American industry has recovered to the extent that our sponsors can once again afford to support us, and our members can once again afford tickets.

The in-person component of the 2026 SOC Awards will be found at Watch Parties in Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta. Be on the lookout for details about your nearest Watch Party.

Timeline

The 2026 SOC Awards timeline is as follows:

• Camera Operator of the Year submissions now open
• Technical Achievement Award submissions now open

 December 2025

• Wednesday, December 31, 2025 (11:59pm PST) – Camera Operator of the Year submissions close
• Wednesday, December 31, 2025 (11:59pm PST) – Technical Achievement submissions close

January 2026

• Thursday, January 8, 2026 – Camera Operator of the Year submissions Membership voting for Nominees open
• Sunday, January 11, 2026 – Demo Day, Los Angeles & Virtual
• Friday, January 16, 2026 – Camera Operator of the Year submissions Membership voting for Nominees closes (11:59pm PST)
• Tuesday, January 20, 2026 – Camera Operator of the Year Nominees and Technical Achievement Award (s) announced

February 2026

• Thursday, February 5, 2026 – Camera Operator of the Year Nominees voting opens to membership

March 2026

• Sunday, March 1, 2026 (11:59pm PST) – Camera Operator of the Year voting closes
• Saturday, March 7, 2026 – SOC Awards Show broadcast live 4:30pm PST/ 7:30pm EST

For further information such as submission details, qualifications, sponsorship and participation, email: Kristin@soc.org