Just like the killer from your fave slasher franchise, we’re back! The Pop Insider is returning with its second-annual Collectors’ Choice Awards, a program where both fans and industry insiders pick the hottest licensed merch of the year.
The biggest change in this year’s awards program is the introduction of the Fan Awards, highlighting cosplayers, fans, and collectors who have stood out in their fandoms and communities over the past year. For only $10, fans can nominate themselves or others to be recognized for these awards.
There are five fan categories open for submission, including:
- Cosplayer of the Year (highlights a cosplayer who has made an impact on their fandom and community)
- Cosplay Group of the Year (highlights a cosplay group that has made an impact on their fandom and community)
- Fan of the Year (highlights a non-cosplayer fan who has made an impact on their fandom and community)
- Fan Group of the Year (highlights a non-cosplayer fan group that has made an impact on their fandom and community)
- Collector of the Year (highlights a fan with an expansive and iconic collection)
Nominations for The Collectors’ Choice Awards are also available now to manufacturers, retailers, publicists, designers, marketing agents, and more. Finalists will be named at the beginning of the new year in 2027, with fans voting on their favorite finalists in January and February. Winners will be announced in March.
There are 20 industry categories open for submission, including:
- Best Overall Collectible Line (Action figures, statues, replicas, and more!)
- Best High-End Collectible (premium figures, statues, replicas valued at $200+)
- Best Action Figure Line (1:6-scale figures, 3.75-inch scale figures, and more)
- Best Individual Collectible (highlights collectibles that aren’t a part of a specific lineup)
- Best Blind Box Collection (highlights mystery boxes and surprise toys)
- Best Prop Replica (collectibles based on props and other items from a franchise)
- Best Apparel Collection (capsule collections, licensed apparel)
- Best Home Goods Line (kitchenware, decor, furniture, etc.)
- Best Tabletop Gaming Collab (board games, tabletop accessories)
- Best Fandom Collab (a crossover or unique licensing deal that created must-have merch)
- Best Accessory Line (jewelry, watches, bags, etc.)
- Best Con Exclusive (limited to SDCC, NYCC, and other con-exclusive collectibles)
- Best Limited-Edition Drop (collectibles produced in a quantity of 1,000 or fewer)
- Best Branded Experience (permanent installation, interactive experience, or limited activation featuring a brand or IP)
- Licensing Program of the Year (licensors)
- Merch Maker of the Year (licensees)
- Retailer of the Year (highlights a key fandom merch destination)
- The Underdog Award (highlighting small businesses and industry members who make a difference)
- Breakout Hit of the Year (highlights the up-and-coming brands and collectibles that hit the scene)
- Designer of the Year (recognizing designers behind the merch)
Nominations for the Collectors’ Choice Awards are open from now until Oct. 30. For more information, click here.
