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:

January 2026

• Thursday, January 8, 2026 – Camera Operator of the Year submissions Membership voting for Nominees open
• Friday, January 16, 2026 – Camera Operator of the Year submissions Membership voting for Nominees closes (11:59 pm PST)

February 2026

• Thursday, February 5, 2026 – Camera Operator of the Year Nominees voting opens to membership
• Friday, February 13, 2026 – Technical Achievement Awards presentations due
• Sunday, February 22, 2026 – Demo Day, Virtual

March 2026

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

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