EVVY Awards

EVVY Awards. The EVVY Awards are an annual student-run awards ceremony honoring excellence in television and media production at Boston College. Established in 1980, it is recognized as one of the largest student-produced live television events in the United States, often compared to professional broadcasts like the Emmy Awards. The ceremony showcases work across numerous categories, from directing and writing to cinematography and musical performance, involving hundreds of student participants each year.

History and background

The awards were founded in 1980 within the Department of Communication at Boston College, initially conceived as a modest showcase for student projects in the burgeoning field of broadcast journalism. Over the decades, the event evolved in parallel with advancements in media technology, expanding its scope to encompass digital filmmaking, live studio production, and multimedia storytelling. The growth of the ceremony mirrored the increasing prominence of student media organizations on campus, such as BC TV and WZBC, fostering a collaborative environment between academics and extracurricular activities. Its sustained operation for over four decades underscores its institutional significance within the Chestnut Hill campus and the broader Boston media landscape.

Award categories and eligibility

Eligibility is restricted to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students at Boston College, with submissions required to have been produced during the academic year of the ceremony. Categories are comprehensive, covering traditional film and television disciplines like Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Screenplay, alongside technical achievements such as Best Editing and Best Sound Design. Performance categories include Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Musical Performance, while newer media forms are recognized through awards for Best Documentary, Best Commercial, and Best Animation. A panel of judges, comprising faculty members, alumni working in industries like Hollywood and Broadway, and media professionals from networks like NBC and CBS, evaluates all entries based on creative merit and technical execution.

Notable winners and achievements

Many past participants have leveraged their EVVY experience into successful careers in entertainment and journalism. Notable alumni include Amy Poehler, who was involved during her studies before her celebrated work on Saturday Night Live and Parks and Recreation, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who later gained fame on The View and Fox & Friends. The awards have also launched the careers of producers and writers for major studios like Warner Bros. and streaming services such as Netflix. Winning an award often provides a significant portfolio piece, with some student films going on to be screened at festivals like the Sundance Film Festival or influencing projects at institutions like the American Film Institute.

Ceremony and production

The live ceremony is produced entirely by students, operating under the guidance of faculty advisors from the Department of Communication. It is typically held in a major campus venue such as Robsham Theater or Conte Forum, and broadcast in real-time via the university's cable network and online streaming platforms. The production involves sophisticated use of equipment comparable to that used by BBC or PBS, including multi-camera setups, live switching, and professional lighting design. The event features host monologues, presentation of awards, and performances by student musical groups, with overall production managed by a student executive board that oversees committees for direction, technical operations, and talent coordination.

Impact and recognition

The EVVY Awards have received external recognition from organizations like the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and have been featured in publications such as The New York Times and The Boston Globe. The program serves as a critical pipeline for talent into competitive internships and entry-level positions at media conglomerates like The Walt Disney Company and Comcast. Its educational impact is profound, providing hands-on experience in project management, broadcast engineering, and creative collaboration that complements the academic curriculum. The ceremony's longevity and scale have cemented its reputation as a premier student media event, contributing to the national profile of Boston College and inspiring similar programs at other universities like University of Southern California and New York University.

Category:Student awards Category:Boston College Category:American television awards