The wait is finally over as the International Academy of Digital Arts has unveiled the nominees for the 29th Webby Awards.
Celebrating the best in websites, online video, social media, apps and interactive Internet advertising, the Webby Awards have long recognised digital innovation that disrupts cultural, social and entertainment norms to render information more accessible for the global community.
This year, the awards received nearly 13 000 entries from over 70 countries worldwide.
In a testament to the fierce competition, fewer than 12 percent of these entrants have been nominated.
Leading the nomination pack is tech giant Google and Apple, garnering 38 nominations each. Other prominent contenders include NBCUniversal with 24 nominations and MTV Entertainment Studios claiming 18.
Advertising firms such as TBWA\Media Arts Lab - LA and DEPT also made their presence felt, racking up 17 and 16 nominations, respectively.
In the Music Video, General Video & Film category, Kendrick Lamar‘s "Not Like Us" will face off against Dua Lipa’s "Illusion", Megan Thee Stallion’s "Mamushi", Charli XCX‘s "Von Dutch", and Lady Gaga‘s "Abracadabra".
Podcasts up for awards this year include "Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard", "The Oprah Podcast", "SmartLess", "The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast", "Baby", "This is Keke Palmer", "Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang", "The Mel Robbins Podcast" and "The Bald and the Beautiful with Trixie and Katya".
The category for Top Video or Film Comedy pits Jim Gaffigan, The Onion, the makeover series “Very Important People” and humour from Kai Cenat, Kevin Hart and Druski.
They face stiff competition from Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman cracking on each other in a “Tonight” show skit.
In beauty, Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty line faces off against Alexis Bittar’s “The Bittarverse,” Byrdie, Retrofête and theSkimm.
This year marks a significant evolution in the Webby Awards with the introduction of new creator categories aimed at celebrating the burgeoning creator economy.
This initiative acknowledges the increasing influence of content creators who are reshaping culture and entertainment on the Internet.
Among the nominees are popular figures like Kai Cenat, Laufey, Zach King and Ilana Glazer, who has received a nomination for her stand-up special "Human Magic".
“The Webby Awards have always been a barometer for digital progress, and this year’s nominees reflect the deep connection between creativity and innovation,” said Jesse Feister, executive director of the Webby Media Group.
Feister also pointed out that "from visionary creators to the technologists building the tools and platforms behind them, these are the people and companies redefining how we connect, express and experience life online."
"As AI continues to transform the Internet, many of this year’s nominees are not only pushing its creative potential, they’re helping shape its development in thoughtful and responsible ways," said Feister.
The awards are selected by the academy, while The Webby People’s Voice Award is voted for by fans around the world.
Voting for that award is open until April 17 on their website.
The winners will be announced on April 22, with the official ceremony scheduled for May 12 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York.
Glazer, who is among the nominees, is set to host this year's much-anticipated event.