YEN.com.gh has officially launched the 3rd edition of the YEN Entertainment Awards (YEAs), set to celebrate and honour outstanding talents in Ghana's entertainment industry.

Building on the success of the first two editions, this year's awards promise to be even more exciting, with the introduction of a distinguished jury panel to assist in the selection of nominees.

New features and categories

This year's awards, covering the year 2024, will feature 12 categories designed to recognize the contributions of actors, dancers, social media influencers, and comedians. 

Some of the key categories include Actor of the Year, Actress of the Year, Male Artiste of the Year, Female Artiste of the Year, and Comedian of the Year.

There are also awards for social media stars across platforms like YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok, as well as a category for the Changemaker of the Year, which honours individuals who have made significant positive impacts in their communities.

Expert jury panel

A notable addition to this year's edition is the inclusion of an expert jury to help determine the nominees. The jury comprises prominent figures in the entertainment industry, including media personality Ameyaw Debrah, music executive Chris Tsormanah, entertainment journalist MzGee, brands expert Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo, media personality Saminiwaa, and YEN.com.gh's own entertainment journalist, Jeffrey Owusu-Mensah. The jury's insights will ensure a fair and comprehensive selection process, enhancing the credibility and prestige of the awards.

Voting process

Although the jury will play a significant role in the nomination process, the final winners will be decided through public voting. Voting will be open online from August 12 to September 12, giving fans and followers the opportunity to support their favourite entertainers. The process is free and accessible to everyone.

Award categories

The organisers and jury have set up 12 categories, with all nominees deserving of a place in their respective categories.

Below are the categories of awards up for grabs:

Actor of the Year

The Actor of the Year category seeks to recognise male movie stars whose works (performances in movies, series and stage) impressed fans the most.

Actress of the Year

The Actress of the Year category appreciates the efforts of female movie stars whose performances in movies and series within the year have made the biggest impressions on fans.

Male Artiste Of The Year

The Artiste of the Year (Male) category seeks to recognise the best Ghanaian male musician of the year in terms of performances, songs or albums released, and general impact.

Female Artiste of the Year

The Artiste of the Year (Female) category seeks to recognise the best female musician of the year in terms of performances, songs or albums released, and general impact.

Most Fashionable Celeb Of The Year (Male)

This category goes to male Ghanaian entertainers whose fashion styles impressed their followers within the year.

Most Fashionable Celeb Of The Year (Female)

This category rewards female Ghanaian entertainers whose fashion styles impressed their followers or became talking points within the year.

Social Media Star (YouTube)

The social media star (YouTube) category is to reward YouTube users whose content on their platforms sparked conversations on the internet.

Social Media Star (X - Twitter)

The social media star (X- Twitter) category is to recognise tweeps who influenced trends and conversations on the Bird app.

Social Media Star (TikTok)

The social media star (TikTok) category honours TikTokers who set trends or excited people with their content on the video-sharing app.

Comedian Of The Year

The Comedian of the Year category is for the topmost comic actor. It includes comic stars who have cracked ribs with their stage performances or made people laugh their heads off with skits.

Dancer Of The Year

The best dancer category will reward the dancer(s) with the most influence within the year under review.

Changemaker Of The Year

The Changemaker category seeks to recognise players in the entertainment industry who have positively impacted society or their communities.

Important dates

August 5 - Awards launch
August 8 - Nominees announcement
August 12 - Voting opens
September 12 - Voting closes
September 16 - Winners announcement