Vimeo festival looks to reward film makers, features star judges

Online videos are increasingly gaining currency as an acceptable form of mainstream entertainment. YouTube knows it and the best Web TV series have even been recognised with their own awards. If you needed any more convincing, video-sharing site Vimeo is hosting its second festival and awards show.

The festival will take place in New York City in June this year. The YouTube competitor claims that the aim of the ceremony is to celebrate “the most creative and original videos online, as well as the individuals who make them”.

People wanting to submit their work for award consideration will be able to do so in one of 13 categories, including Fashion, Action Sports and Advertising.

These entries will then be judged by a jury that includes the 2010 award winners, as well as stars such as James Franco, Aziz Ansari, 2012 Oscar Nominee Lucy Walker, and Radiohead’s Colin Greenwood.

“Since our inaugural event, we have watched online video explode into a primary medium for new talent discovery,” said Jeremy Boxer, Director of the Vimeo Festival + Awards. “More and more creators earn visibility, credibility and, ultimately, work by showcasing their videos online. We created the Vimeo Festival + Awards to celebrate the best of the best of these videos.”

Category winner will receive a US$5 000 grant, with US$25 000 up for grabs for Grand Prize Winner.

With just under a week left for submissions, Vimeo has yet to reveal who will be hosting the awards.

The Vimeo Awards 2010 – Complete Show from Vimeo Festival + Awards on Vimeo.