IMI Awards
The IMI Awards were established in 2023 to shine a spotlight on exceptional independent creators. The Awards were created in recognition of the power and ubiquity of independent media. They are the first prestige prizes awarded specifically to independent creators to honor the intrinsic value of media created in the place where the modern world listens, reads, and watches—the internet.
2024 IMI Award Winners
2024 Award Works
2023 IMI Award Winners
About the Awards
​The IMI Awards were established in 2023 to shine a spotlight on exceptional independent creators. The awards were created in recognition of the power and ubiquity of independent media. They are the first prestige prizes awarded specifically to independent creators to honor the intrinsic value of media created in the place where the modern world listens, reads and watches—the internet. ​
Award winners are selected on the basis of an “exceptional” piece of work or contribution to the independent media landscape, in the sense that no one “except” for them could have made it. The IMI Awards embrace the spirit and power of independent media, which allows individuals to share their skills, community, creativity, and spirit directly with a global audience. The award includes a monetary prize in recognition of the substantial impact that award winners have had on society, and their potential to do so in the future.
The IMI Awards are “no strings attached” awards, which do not require specific projects or reports from award winners, or evaluate award winners after the award is made. Award winners are selected on the recommendation of the IMI Board of Directors, with nominations solicited from a community of independent media creators and advisors.
* This award has been updated from the originally awarded work, The Man With No Legal Identity - Off the Grid in Appalachia, at the request of the creator. After filming and posting the video and award notice, Peter Santenello became aware of criminal investigations involving Titus, the video's subject. Due to this, Peter requested that IMI consider other works for the award. The IMI Board of Directors reviewed his request and decided to change the awarded work to Poorest Region of America - What It Really Looks Like.