2021 Cosmo nominations are open!

It’s time to vote for the nominees for the 2021 Cosmique Movie Awards! Nomination ballots are due by May 7, 2022.

To help Cosmo voters get ideas for who to nominate for the upcoming Cosmique Movie Awards, we’ve pulled together some “buzzworthy” suggestions. The Hall of Fame suggestions come from films and actors who’ve been nominated in those categories in previous years but who have never won. The other suggestions for the Best of 2021 come from a variety of sources: nominees from other major awards like the Oscars and Golden Globes; critics’ personal favorites and their predictions for Oscar nominations; IMDB’s top-rated films of the year by genre; and fan favorite lists by genre.

Voters may vote for up to six different nominees for each award. To simplify voting, we’ve provided the “buzzworthy” suggestions as potential nominees in multiple choice checkboxes. These buzzworthy ideas are only presented as a starting point, and voters should feel free to nominate any 2021 eligible film even if it’s not on this list. A write-in field is also provided as an option for each award, and voters may write in one or more nominees in that field, up to a total of six nominees including any combination of checked and write-in nominations. You do not need to complete six nominees for each award, and you may skip entire award categories if you wish.

In addition, you may cast an optional Power Vote for one of your six nominees to give it extra weight.

Ballots

• Hall of Fame ballot
• Best Overall of 2021 ballot
• Best Performances of 2021 ballot
• Best by Genre ballot
• Best Specialty Awards ballot

Hall of Fame

Nomination ballots are due on May 7, 2022.

• Hall of Fame ballot: https://forms.gle/faLrsyYWAFXc3nBw5

Best Movie of All Time Hall of Fame

Awarded to the film deemed by Cosmo voters to be one of the best films of all time. The winning film will be inducted into the Cosmique Movie Hall of Fame, and will not be eligible in subsequent years to be re-nominated to this category. There are no restrictions on the film’s era, nationality, language, or genre. All films except previous winners are eligible for nomination. In addition, a film cannot be nominated in the same year that it is first theatrically released.

Vote for up to 6, including all write-ins.

Not eligible: All About Eve; Apocalypse Now; Auntie Mame; Casablanca; Citizen Kane; Dangerous Liaisons; The Godfather; Gone with the Wind; Harold and Maude; A Letter to Three Wives; The Lion in Winter; Paris is Burning; Sunset Boulevard; The Talented Mr. Ripley; To Kill a Mockingbird; Vertigo; Whatever Happened to Baby Jane; The Wizard of Oz; The Women

Buzzworthy: Amadeus • The Big Chill • Big Eden • Breakfast at Tiffany’s • Chinatown • Dead Again • Dead Poets Society • Ghostbusters • Girls Will Be Girls • The Godfather: Part II • The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring • Nashville • Ordinary People • The Philadelphia Story • Schindler’s List • Some Like It Hot • Star Wars • Titanic • The World According to Garp

Best Actress Hall of Fame

Awarded to the actress deemed by Cosmo voters to be one of the best of all time. The winning actress will be inducted into the Cosmique Movie Hall of Fame, and will not be eligible in subsequent years to be re-nominated to this category. There are no restrictions on her films’ era, nationality, or language, nor whether she is living or dead. All actresses except previous winners are eligible for nomination.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Not eligible: Katharine Hepburn, Maggie Smith, Bette Davis, Meryl Streep, Audrey Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman, Judi Dench, Glenn Close, Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Crawford, Sally Field; Rosalind Russell; Judy Garland; Rita Moreno; Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman

Buzzworthy: Joan Allen • Julie Andrews • Anne Bancroft • Angela Bassett • Kathy Bates • Cate Blanchett • Stockard Channing • Claudette Colbert • Viola Davis • Olivia de Havilland • Marlene Dietrich • Divine • Jane Fonda • Jodie Foster • Nicole Kidman • Jessica Lange • Angela Lansbury • Helen Mirren • Marilyn Monroe • Julianne Moore • Mary Tyler Moore • Mary Pickford • Diana Rigg • Susan Sarandon • Barbara Stanwyck • Gloria Swanson • Sigourney Weaver • Dianne Wiest • Anna May Wong

Best Actor Hall of Fame

Awarded to the actor deemed by Cosmo voters to be one of the best of all time. The winning actor will be inducted into the Cosmique Movie Hall of Fame, and will not be eligible in subsequent years to be re-nominated to this category. There are no restrictions on his films’ era, nationality, or language, nor whether he is living or dead. All actors except previous winners are eligible for nomination.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Not eligible: Dustin Hoffman, Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, Robert De Niro, Jack Lemmon, Marlon Brando, Jack Nicholson, Al Pacino, Peter O’Toole, Morgan Freeman, Robin Williams, Paul Newman, Anthony Hopkins, James Dean; Sidney Poitier; Roddy McDowell

Buzzworthy: F. Murray Abraham • Humphrey Bogart • James Cagney • Jackie Cooper • Daniel Day-Lewis • Johnny Depp • Henry Fonda • Clark Gable • John Gielgud • Alec Guinness • Gene Hackman • Philip Seymour Hoffman • Ben Kingsley • John Lithgow • Laurence Olivier • Gregory Peck • Sean Penn • Joaquin Phoenix • Vincent Price • Robert Redford • Donald Sutherland • Spencer Tracy • Orson Welles

Best Comedic Actress Hall of Fame

Awarded to the actress deemed by Cosmo voters to have delivered, across the span of her entire career, the best cinematic comedic performances of all time. The previous winners are not eligible for nomination.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Not eligible: Madeline Kahn, Lucille Ball, Lily Tomlin, Gilda Radner, Rosalind Russell, Cloris Leachman, Whoopi Goldberg, Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, Carol Burnett, Betty White, Teri Garr, Divine, Catherine O’Hara, Eileen Brennan, Thelma Ritter

Buzzworthy: Christine Baranski • Mary Boland • Sandra Bullock • Carol Channing • Jennifer Coolidge • Joan Cusack • Doris Day • Phyllis Diller • Tina Fey • Kathy Griffin • Diane Keaton • Lisa Kudrow • Carole Lombard • Megan Mullaly • Coco Peru • Joan Rivers • Amy Sedaris • Tracey Ullman • Mae West • Kristen Wiig

Best Comedic Actor Hall of Fame

Awarded to the actor deemed by Cosmo voters to have delivered, across the span of his entire career, the best cinematic comedic performances of all time. The previous winners are not eligible for nomination.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Not eligible: Charlie Chaplin, Danny Kaye, Steve Martin, Gene Wilder, Robin Williams, Mel Brooks, Bill Murray, Jerry Lewis; Eddie Murphy; Richard Pryor, Groucho Marx, Jack Lemmon, John Ritter, Ted Knight

Buzzworthy: John Belushi • Jack Black • John Candy • Jim Carrey • John Cleese • Johnny Depp • Charles Durning • W.C. Fields • Buster Keaton • Chris Rock • Jimmy Stewart • Stephen Tobolowsky • Dick Van Dyke

Best Overall of 2021

Nomination ballots are due on May 7, 2022.

• Best Overall of 2021 ballot: https://forms.gle/nX21KibCP766uBsv8

Best Film of 2021

Awarded to the film deemed by Cosmo voters to be the best movie released in the United States in 2021, regardless of genre. Films that received limited release in 2021 are still eligible for consideration, provided that they received sufficient distribution early enough in 2021 to have a chance to be seen by Cosmo voters. However, films that were only screened at film festivals are generally only considered at the year they were first released in theaters or on video. The following films have received critical acclaim and are rumored to be contenders for other major awards, but are presented only as ideas and voters should not feel limited to this list.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Annette • Being the Ricardos • Belfast • Blue Bayou • Bruised • C’mon, C’mon • The Card Counter • CODA • The Courier • Cry Macho • Cyrano • Dear Evan Hansen • Don’t Look Up • Drive My Car • Dune (2021) • Electrical Life of Louis Wain • Encounter • Eternals • Everybody’s Talking About Jamie • The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021) • Finch • Flag Day • Flee • The Forgiven • The French Dispatch • The Green Knight • The Guilty • The Harder They Fall • House of Gucci • King Richard • The Last Duel • Licorice Pizza • The Lost Daughter • Luca • Memoria • The Mitchells vs the Machines • Mothering Sunday • Next Goal Wins • Nightmare Alley • Nitram • No Time to Die • Official Competition • Parallel Mothers • Passing • Pig • The Power of the Dog • Red Rocket • Respect • Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings • Spencer • Spider-Man: No Way Home • The Starling • Stillwater • Swan Song • The Tender Bar • Those Who Wish Me Dead • Tick, Tick…BOOM! • Titane • The Tragedy of Macbeth • The Unforgivable • Violet • West Side Story (2021) • The Woman in the Window • The Worst Person in the World

Best Director

The Best Director candidates are not selected by nominations from Cosmo voters. Instead, they are selected through a formula that considers their nominations and wins at the major movie awards (Golden Globes, BAFTAs, Directors Guild of America, and the Oscars, among others) as well as the number of nominations their film received at the Cosmos. The Cosmo nominees are weighted to better emphasize categories over which the director has the greatest influence, to somewhat reduce the influence of niche categories, and to add a penalty for negative nominations.

Best Script of a 2021 Film

Awarded to the film deemed by Cosmo voters to have the best script for an eligible 2021 film. No distinction is made between original versus adapted screenplays. The following films have received critical acclaim and are rumored to be contenders for other major screenwriting awards, but are presented only as ideas and voters should not feel limited to this list.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Annette • Being the Ricardos • Belfast • C’mon, C’mon • CODA • The Courier • Cyrano • Drive My Car • Dune • Electrical Life of Louis Wain • Everybody’s Talking About Jamie • The Eyes of Tammy Faye • Finch • The French Dispatch • The Hand of God • A Hero • The Humans • In the Heights • Joe Bell • A Journal for Jordan • King Richard • The Last Duel • Licorice Pizza • The Lost Daughter • The Many Saints of Newark • Mass • Mothering Sunday • Next Goal Wins • Nightmare Alley • No Time to Die • Parallel Mothers • Passing • Pig • The Power of the Dog • Respect • Stillwater • Those Who Wish Me Dead • The Tragedy of Macbeth • West Side Story (2021) • The Woman in the Window • The Worst Person in the World

Best Cinematography, Set Design, or Art Direction for a 2021 Film

Awarded to the film deemed by Cosmo voters to have the best cinematography or set design for an eligible 2021 film. Cinematography covers the actual filming of scene, including the choice of cameras and lenses, camera angles, lighting design and placement, and the like. Set Design, which falls under the purview of the Art Director, involves the creation of sets and the use of furnishings and props within the set. Taken together, Cosmo voters consider this category to be the visual appeal of the film separate from special effects and costuming. The following films have received critical acclaim and are rumored to be contenders for other major related awards, but are presented only as ideas and voters should not feel limited to this list.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Annette • Being the Ricardos • Belfast • Black Widow • Blue Bayou • Bruised • The Card Counter • C’mon C’mon • CODA • Coming 2 America • Cruella • Cry Macho • Cyrano • Dear Evan Hansen • Don’t Look Up • Dune • Electrical Life of Louis Wain • Encounter • Eternals • Everybody’s Talking About Jamie • The Eyes of Tammy Faye • Finch • The Forgiven • Free Guy • The French Dispatch • Ghostbusters: Afterlife • The Green Knight • The Hand of God • The Harder They Fall • A Hero • House of Gucci • The Humans • In the Heights • Jockey • A Journal for Jordan • Jungle Cruise • King Richard • Lansky • The Last Duel • Last Night in Soho • Licorice Pizza • The Lost Daughter • The Many Saints of Newark • Mass • The Matrix Resurrections • Memoria • Mothering Sunday • Nightmare Alley • Nine Days • Nitram • No Time to Die • Official Competition • Parallel Mothers • Passing • The Power of the Dog • A Quiet Place Part II • Red Rocket • Respect • Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings • Space Jam: A New Legacy • Spencer • Spider-Man: No Way Home • Stillwater • The Suicide Squad • Swan Song • The Tender Bar • tick, tick… Boom! • Titane • The Tomorrow War • The Tragedy of Macbeth • The Unforgivable • Venom: Let There Be Carnage • West Side Story • The Worst Person in the World

Best Costume Design or Make-Up for a 2021 Film

Awarded to the film deemed by Cosmo voters to have the best costume design or make-up for an eligible 2021 film. This covers anything that the performers wear, including clothing, wigs, prosthetics, make-up, and the like. The following films have received critical acclaim and are rumored to be contenders for other major related awards, but are presented only as ideas and voters should not feel limited to this list.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Annette • Being the Ricardos • Belfast • Black Widow • Blue Bayou • Bruised • The Card Counter • C’mon C’mon • CODA • Coming 2 America • Cruella • Cry Macho • Cyrano • Dear Evan Hansen • Don’t Look Up • Dune • Electrical Life of Louis Wain • Encounter • Eternals • Everybody’s Talking About Jamie • The Eyes of Tammy Faye • Finch • The Forgiven • Free Guy • The French Dispatch • Ghostbusters: Afterlife • The Green Knight • The Hand of God • The Harder They Fall • A Hero • House of Gucci • The Humans • In the Heights • Jockey • A Journal for Jordan • Jungle Cruise • King Richard • Lansky • The Last Duel • Last Night in Soho • Licorice Pizza • The Lost Daughter • The Many Saints of Newark • Mass • The Matrix Resurrections • Memoria • Mothering Sunday • Nightmare Alley • Nine Days • Nitram • No Time to Die • Official Competition • Parallel Mothers • Passing • The Power of the Dog • A Quiet Place Part II • Red Rocket • Respect • Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings • Space Jam: A New Legacy • Spencer • Spider-Man: No Way Home • Stillwater • The Suicide Squad • Swan Song • The Tender Bar • tick, tick… Boom! • Titane • The Tomorrow War • The Tragedy of Macbeth • The Unforgivable • Venom: Let There Be Carnage • West Side Story • The Worst Person in the World

Best Visual Effects for a 2021 Film

Awarded to the film deemed by Cosmo voters to have the best visual effects for an eligible 2021 film. This covers any extraordinary effects used in the film other than costumes and make-up, including those that are staged and filmed (such as a car crash), those that are filmed using miniatures or stop-action, and those that are imposed digitally after filming is done. The following films are presented only as ideas and voters should not feel limited to this list.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Black Widow • Candyman • Dune • Eternals • Finch • Free Guy • Ghostbusters: Afterlife • Godzilla vs. Kong • Jungle Cruise • The Last Duel • Last Night in Soho • The Matrix Resurrections • Nightmare Alley • No Time to Die • The Quiet Place: Part II • Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings • Spider-Man: No Way Home • The Suicide Squad • The Tomorrow War • The Tragedy of Macbeth • Venom: Let There Be Carnage

Favorite Cinematic Guilty Pleasure of 2021

Awarded to the 2021 film that voters secretly enjoyed despite its low-brow appeal. These are typically films they would not consider nominating for a major category, though they might be appropriate for some of the niche categories. Of course, what one voter considers to be a guilty pleasure, another might embrace without shame. Voters should not feel limited to the following suggested films.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Antlers • Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar • Clifford the Big Red Dog • Fast 9 • Godzilla vs. Kong • Malignant • Monday • Outside the Wire • The Protégé • Psycho Goreman • Psycho Goreman • Space Jam: A New Legacy • Spiral • The Suicide Squad • Venom: Let There Be Carnage • The Woman in the Window • Wrath of Man

Best Use of (Gratuitous?) Nudity in a 2021 Film

Awarded to the 2021 film deemed to have used nudity in either a powerfully effective manner or in a delightfully gratuitous way. This can include any degree and form of either male or female nudity. The following films have been culled from lists of 2021 films with nudity, but are presented only as ideas and voters should not feel limited to this list.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Annette • Cherry • Fear Street Part Two: 1978 • The French Dispatch • Kriya • Last Words • Maradona: Blessed Dream • Me You Madness • Monday • Mosquito State • Nightmare Alley • Our Ladies • The Power of the Dog • PVT Chat • Saint-Narcisse • Val • Violation • The Voyeurs • Yakuza Princess

Best Performances of 2021

Nomination ballots are due on May 7, 2022.

• Best Performances of 2021 ballot: https://forms.gle/8iSLmVKXpjqAgtB78

Best Lead Actress in a 2021 Film

Awarded to the actress deemed by Cosmo voters to have achieved the best performance in a leading role in an eligible 2021 film. Voters may use their own discretion in deciding whether to consider a particular role as either leading or supporting. The following performances are receiving considerably acclaim and buzz for other awards, but are presented only as ideas and voters should not feel limited to this list.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Amy Adams – The Woman in the Window • Halle Berry – Bruised • Cate Blanchett – Nightmare Alley • Jessica Chastain – The Eyes of Tammy Faye • Jessica Chastain – The Forgiven • Olivia Coleman – The Lost Daughter • Marion Cotillard – Annette • Penelope Cruz – Parallel Mothers • Beanie Feldstein – The Humans • Isobel Fuhrman – The Novice • Lady Gaga – House of Gucci • Alana Haim – Licorice Pizza • Brittany S. Hall – Test Pattern • Patti Harrison – Together Together • Jennifer Hudson – Respect • Angelina Jolie – Eternals • Angelina Jolie – Those Who Wish Me Dead • Emilia Jones – CODA • Nicole Kidman – Being the Ricardos • Jennifer Lawrence – Don’t Look Up • Frances McDormand – The Tragedy of Macbeth • Olivia Munn – Violet • Taylour Paige – Zola • Kali Reis – Catch the Fair One • Rachel Sennott – Shiva Baby • Kristen Stewart – Spencer • Rachel Zegler – West Side Story

Best Lead Actor in a 2021 Film

Awarded to the actor deemed by Cosmo voters to have achieved the best performance in a leading role in an eligible 2021 film. Voters may use their own discretion in deciding whether to consider a particular role as either leading or supporting. The following performances are receiving considerably acclaim and buzz for other awards, but are presented only as ideas and voters should not feel limited to this list.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Javier Bardem – Being the Ricardos • Nicolas Cage – Pig • Timothee Chalamet – Dune • Clifton Collins, Jr. – Jockey • Bradley Cooper – Nightmare Alley • Daniel Craig – No Time to Die • Benedict Cumberbatch – The Courier • Benedict Cumberbatch – Electrical Life of Louis Wain • Benedict Cumberbatch – The Power of the Dog • Matt Damon – The Last Duel • Matt Damon – Stillwater • Leonardo DiCaprio – Don’t Look Up • Peter Dinklage – Cyrano • Adam Driver – Annette • Adam Driver – House of Gucci • Adam Driver – The Last Duel • Clint Eastwood – Cry Macho • Ansel Elgort – West Side Story • Michael Fassbender – Next Goal Wins • Andrew Garfield – The Eyes of Tammy Faye • Andrew Garfield – Tick, Tick…BOOM! • Max Harwood – Everybody’s Talking About Jamie • Josh O’Connor – Mothering Sunday • Gary Oldman – The Woman in the Window • Joaquin Phoenix – C’mon, C’mon • Ben Platt – Dear Evan Hansen • Simon Rex – Red Rocket • Will Smith – King Richard • Denzel Washington – The Tragedy of Macbeth

Best Supporting Actress in a 2021 Film

Awarded to the actress deemed by Cosmo voters to have achieved the best performance in a supporting role in an eligible 2021 film. Voters may use their own discretion in deciding whether to consider a particular role as either leading or supporting. The following performances are receiving considerably acclaim and buzz for other awards, but are presented only as ideas and voters should not feel limited to this list.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Amy Adams – Dear Evan Hansen • Catríona Balfe – Belfast • Haley Bennett – Cyrano • Cate Blanchett – Don’t Look Up • Cate Blanchett – Nightmare Alley • Mary J. Blige – Respect • Abigail Breslin – Stillwater • Rachel Brosnahan – The Courier • Jessie Buckley – The Courier • Jessie Buckley – The Lost Daughter • Gemma Chan – Eternals • Toni Collette – Nightmare Alley • Camille Cottin – Stillwater • Ariana DeBose – West Side Story • Claire Foy – Electrical Life of Louis Wain • Ann Dowd – Mass • Kirsten Dunst – The Power of the Dog • Aunjanue Ellis – King Richard • Rebecca Ferguson – Dune • Gaby Hoffmann – C’mon, C’mon • Cherry Jones – The Eyes of Tammy Faye • Rooney Mara – Nightmare Alley • Marlee Matlin – CODA • Frances McDormand – The French Dispatch • Julianne Moore – Dear Evan Hansen • Rita Moreno – West Side Story • Elisabeth Moss – The French Dispatch • Elisabeth Moss – Next Goal Wins • Ruth Negga – Passing • Lauren Patel – Everybody’s Talking About Jamie • Andrea Riseborough – Electrical Life of Louis Wain • Saoirse Ronan – The French Dispatch • Meryl Streep – Don’t Look Up • Tilda Swinton – The French Dispatch • Zendaya – Dune

Best Supporting Actor in a 2021 Film

Awarded to the actor deemed by Cosmo voters to have achieved the best performance in a supporting role in an eligible 2021 film. Voters may use their own discretion in deciding whether to consider a particular role as either leading or supporting. The following performances are receiving considerably acclaim and buzz for other awards, but are presented only as ideas and voters should not feel limited to this list.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Ben Affleck – The Tender Bar • David Alvarez – West Side Story • Adrien Brody – The French Dispatch • Timothee Chalamet – The French Dispatch • Bradley Cooper – Licorice Pizza • Willem Dafoe – Nightmare Alley • Robin de Jesus – Tick, Tick…BOOM! • Benicio Del Toro – The French Dispatch • Gregory Diaz IV – In the Heights • Jamie Dornan – Belfast • Mike Faist – West Side Story (2021) • Andrew Garfield – The Eyes of Tammy Faye • Brendan Gleeson – The Tragedy of Macbeth • Richard E. Grant – Everybody’s Talking About Jamie • Armie Hammer – Next Goal Wins • Ed Harris – The Lost Daughter • Jonah Hill – Don’t Look Up • Corey Howkins – The Tragedy of Macbeth • Ciarán Hinds – Belfast • Nicholas Hoult – Those Who Wish Me Dead • Jason Isaacs – Mass • Richard Jenkins – The Humans • Troy Kotsur – Belfast • Troy Kotsur – CODA • Jared Leto – House of Gucci • Rami Malek – No Time to Die • Paul Mescal – The Lost Daughter • Bill Murray – The French Dispatch • Jesse Plemons – The Power of the Dog • Daniel Ranieri – The Tender Bar • Alexander Skarsgard – Passing • J. K. Simmons – Being the Ricardos • Kodi Smit-McPhee – The Power of the Dog • Forest Whitaker – Respect • Alex Wolff – Pig • Jeffrey Wright – The French Dispatch

Best Young Actress in a 2021 Film

This award’s definition is now strictly limited it to actresses who were under 18 at the time of their performance in the movie (even if they were older when the film was released).

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Millie Bobby Brown (as Madison Russell) – Godzilla vs. Kong • Coline Defaud (as Young Madeline) – No Time to Die • Ava Justin (as Harrison) – Before I Go • Mckenna Grace (as Phoebe) – Ghostbusters: Afterlife • Emilia Jones (as Roby Rossi) – CODA • Madeleine McGraw (as Gwen Shaw) – The Black Phone • Saniyya Sidney (as Venus Williams) – King Richard • Millicent Simmonds (as Regan Abbott) – A Quiet Place II • Demi Singleton (as Serena Williams) – King Richard • Lisa-Dorah Sonnet (as Mathilde) – No Time to Die

Best Young Actor in a 2021 Film

This award’s definition is now strictly limited it to actors who were under 18 at the time of their performance in the movie (even if they were older when the film was released).

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Ravi Cabot-Conyers (as Antonio) – Encanto • Jude Hill (as Buddy) – Belfast • Cooper Hoffman (as Gary) – Licorice Pizza • Sawyer Jones (as Aiden, age 7) – Antlers • Noah Jupe (as Marcus Abbott) – A Quiet Place Part II • Logan Kim (as Podcast) – Ghostbusters: Afterlife • Jack Nielen (as Prince William) – Spencer • Woody Norman (as Jesse) – C’mon C’mon • Freddie Spry (as Prince Harry) – Spencer • Arnold Sun (as Xu Shang-Chi as a teenager) – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Mason Thames • Mason Thames (as Finney Shaw) – The Black Phone • Jeremy T. Thomas (as Lucas, age 12) – Antlers • Jacob Tremblay (as Luca) – Luca • Finn Wolfhard (as Trevor) – Ghostbusters: Afterlife • Jayden Zhang (as Xu Shang-Chi as a child) – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Best Ensemble Performances in a 2021 Film

Awarded to the film whose collective cast is deemed by Cosmo voters to have delivered the best performances in an eligible 2021 film. Voters should not feel limited to the following suggested films.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Belfast • CODA • Don’t Look Up • Dune • The Harder They Fall • House of Gucci • King Richard • Licorice Pizza • Nightmare Alley • The Power of the Dog • West Side Story (2021)

Sexiest Ensemble Cast of a 2021 Film

Awarded to the film deemed by Cosmo voters to have the sexiest or most attractive ensemble cast in an eligible 2021 film. Voters should not feel limited to the following suggested films.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Black Widow • Dune • Eternals • The French Dispatch • House of Gucci • Nightmare Alley • No Time to Die • Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings • Spider-Man: No Way Home • The Suicide Squad • Venom: Let There be Carnage • West Side Story (2021) • Zack Snyder’s Justice League

Favorite Male Heroic Character in a 2021 Film

Awarded to the actor who has provided the best or favorite portrayal of a heroic character in a 2021 film, regardless of whether it was a leading or supporting role. Heroic characters are more than merely the protagonist of the film – and may, in fact, be a minor character. They typically use their strength, intelligence, supernatural abilities, or courage and personal sacrifice to help others, accomplish great deeds, or survive against tremendous obstacles. Voters should not feel limited to the following suggestions.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Ben Affleck (as Batman / Bruce Wayne) – Jack Snyder’s Justice League • Dylan Arnold (as Cameron Elam) – Halloween Kills • Henry Cavill (as Superman / Clark Kent) – Jack Snyder’s Justice League • Timothée Chalamet (as Paul Atreides) – Dune (2021) • Daniel Craig (as James Bond) – No Time to Die • Ray Fisher (as Cyborg / Victor Stone) – Jack Snyder’s Justice League • Andrew Garfield (as Peter Parker / Spider-Man) – Spider-Man: No Way Home • Anthony Michael Hall (as Tommy Doyle) – Halloween Kills • Tom Hardy (as Eddie Brock / Venom) – Venom: Let There Be Carnage • Brian Tyree Henry (as Phastos) – Eternals • Tom Holland (as Peter Parker / Spider-Man) – Spider-Man: No Way Home • Dwayne Johnson (as Frank Wolff) – Jungle Cruise • Tobey Maguire (as Peter Parker / Spider-Man) – Spider-Man: No Way Home • Ezra Miller (as The Flash / Barry Allen) – Jack Snyder’s Justice League • Jason Momoa (as Aquaman / Arthur Curry) – Jack Snyder’s Justice League • Dev Patel (as Gawain) – The Green Knight • Keanu Reeves (as Neo / Thomas Anderson) – The Matrix Resurrections • Ryan Reynolds (as Guy) – Free Guy • Alexander Skarsgård (as Nathan Lind) – Godzilla vs. Kong

Favorite Female Heroic Character in a 2021 Film

Awarded to the actress who has provided the best or favorite portrayal of a heroic character in a 2021 film, regardless of whether it was a leading or supporting role. Heroic characters are more than merely the protagonist of the film – and may, in fact, be a minor character. They typically use their strength, intelligence, supernatural abilities, or courage and personal sacrifice to help others, accomplish great deeds, or survive against tremendous obstacles. Voters should not feel limited to the following suggestions.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Amy Adams (as Lois Lane) – Jack Snyder’s Justice League • Awkwafina (as Katy) – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings • Stephanie Beatriz (as Mirabel) – Encanto • Kate Beckinsale (as Lindy) – Jolt • Emily Blunt (as Lily Houghton) – Jungle Cruise • Emily Blunt (as Evelyn Abbott) – A Quiet Place Part II • Millie Bobby Brown (as Madison Russell) – Godzilla vs. Kong • Gemma Chan (as Sersi) – Eternals • Jodie Comer (as Millie) – Free Guy • Jamie Lee Curtis (as Laurie Strode) – Halloween Kills • Jessica Darrow (as Luisa) – Encanto • Ana de Armas (as Paloma) – No Time to Die • Sharon Duncan-Brewster (as Dr. Liet-Kynes) – Dune (2021) • Rebecca Ferguson (as Lady Jessica) – Dune (2021) • Gal Gadot (as Wonder Woman / Diana Prince) – Jack Snyder’s Justice League • Mckenna Grace (as Phoebe) – Ghostbusters: Afterlife • Judy Greer (as Karen) – Halloween Kills • Scarlett Johansson (as Natasha Romanov / Black Widow) – Black Widow • Angelina Jolie (as Thena) – Eternals • Angelina Jolie (as Hannah) – Those Who Wish Me Dead • Andi Matichak (as Allison) – Halloween Kills • Millicent Simmonds (as Regan Abbott) – A Quiet Place Part II • Mary Elizabeth Winstead (as Kate) – Kate • Michelle Yeoh (as Ying Nan) – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings • Meng’er Zhang (as Xu Xialing) – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Best Male Villain of a 2021 Film

Awarded to the actor deemed by Cosmo voters to have achieved the best performance in a villainous role in an eligible 2021 film. Are villains necessarily intrinsically evil? Can a character be an inadvertent villain, or do they have to act with deliberate malice? Can they be considered a villain if they are redeemed in the end? Can they be considered a villain if they perform some bad acts, even if they also perform some good ones? If their intentions are inadvertent, or understandable, or misguided, but nevertheless wrong, does that mitigate their villainy? Voters must decide these questions for themselves, and should not feel limited to the following suggestions.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Antonio Banderas (as Aristotle Papdopolous) – Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard • Demián Bichir (as Walter Simmons) – Godzilla vs. Kong • David Bradley (as Gareth Fizel) – Jolt • Don Cheadle (as Al G. Rhythm) – Space Jam: A New Legacy • Chang Chen (as Dr. Wellington Yueh) – Dune • Mike Colter (as Whit Price) – South of Heaven • James Jude Courtney (as Michael Myers) – Halloween Kills • Benedict Cumberbatch (as Phil Burbank) – The Power of the Dog • Wilem Dafoe (as Norman Osborn / Green Goblin) – Spider-Man: No Way Home • David Dastmalchian (as Piter de Vries) – Dune (2021) • Adam Driver (as Jacques le Gris) – The Last Duel • Scott Eastwood (as Jan) – The Wrath of Man • Jesse Eisenberg (as Lex Luthor) – Zack Snyder’s Justice League • Idris Elba (as Rufas Buck) – The Harder They Fall • Jack Farthing (as Prince Charles) – Spencer • Jamie Foxx (as Max Dillon / Electro) – Spider-Man: No Way Home • James Frain (as Henry / Puzzlemaker) – Escape Room: Tournament of Champions • Aiden Gillen (as Patrick) – Those Who Wish Me Dead • Woody Harrelson (as Varrick) – Kate • Woody Harrelson (as Carnage) – Venom: Let There Be Carnage • Ethan Hawke (as The Grabber) – The Black Phone • Nicholas Hoult (as Jack) – Those Who Wish Me Dead • Ralph Ineson (as Green Knight) – The Green Knight • Tony Leung (as Xu Wenwu) – Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings • Richard Madden (as Ikaris) – Eternals • Rami Malek (as Lyutsifer Safin) – No Time to Die • Mark Mench (as Standard / Wolf Skull) – Wrong Turn • Alfred Molina (as Dr, Otto Octavius / Doc Ock) – Spider-Man: No Way Home • Ben Platt (as Evan Hansen) – Dear Evan Hansen • Jesse Plemons (as Prince Joachim) – Jungle Cruise • Aleksey Serebryakov (as Yulian Kuznetsov) – Nobody • J. K. Simmons (as Ivo Shandor) – Ghostbusters: Afterlife • J. K. Simmons (as J. Jonah Jamison) – Spider-Man: No Way Home • Stellan Skarsgård (as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen) – Dune (2021) • Timothy Spall (as Major Alister Gregory) – Spencer • Joe Taslim (as Bi-Han / Subzero) – Mortal Kombat • Taika Waititi (as Antwan) – Free Guy • Ray Winstone (as Dreykov) – Black Widow

Best Female Villain of a 2021 Film

Awarded to the actress deemed by Cosmo voters to have achieved the best performance in a villainous role in an eligible 2021 film. Are villains necessarily intrinsically evil? Can a character be an inadvertent villain, or do they have to act with deliberate malice? Can they be considered a villain if they are redeemed in the end? Can they be considered a villain if they perform some bad acts, even if they also perform some good ones? If their intentions are inadvertent, or understandable, or misguided, but nevertheless wrong, does that mitigate their villainy? Voters must decide these questions for themselves, and should not feel limited to the following suggestions.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Eugenie Bondurant (as The Occultist) – The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It • Olivia Coleman (as PAL) – The Mitchells vs. The Machines • Gal Gadot (as The Bishop) – Red Notice • Eiza Gonzalez (as Maia Simmons) – Godzilla vs. Kong • Angelina Jolie (as Thena) – Eternals • Charlotte Rampling (as Gaius Helen Mohiam) – Dune (2021) • Charlize Theron (as Cipher) – F9: The Fast Saga • Emma Thompson (as The Baroness) – Cruella • Olivia Wilde (as Gozer) – Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Sexiest Actor’s Character From a 2021 Film

Awarded to the actor deemed by Cosmo voters to have portrayed the character from a 2021 film whom they would most like to be intimate with, in whatever way the voter chooses to interpret it. Bear in mind that the vote is for the character, not the actor himself. Voters should not feel limited to the following suggestions.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Ben Affleck (as Batman / Bruce Wayne) – Jack Snyder’s Justice League • Reeve Carney (as Tom Ford) – House of Gucci • Henry Cavill (as Superman / Clark Kent) – Jack Snyder’s Justice League • Daniel Craig (as James Bond) – No Time to Die • Ray Fisher (as Cyborg / Victor Stone) – Jack Snyder’s Justice League • Andrew Garfield (as Spider-Man) – Spider-Man: No Way Home • Tom Hardy (as Eddie Brock / Venom) – Venom: Let There Be Carnage • Kit Harington (as Dane Whitman) – Eternals • Brian Tyree Henry (as Phastos) – Eternals • Tom Holland (as Peter Parker / Spider-Man) – Spider-Man: No Way Home • Dwayne Johnson (as Frank Wolff) – Jungle Cruise • Ezra Miller (as The Flash / Barry Allen) – Jack Snyder’s Justice League • Jason Momoa (as Aquaman / Arthur Curry) – Jack Snyder’s Justice League • Keanu Reeves (as Neo / Thomas Anderson) – The Matrix Resurrections • Ryan Reynolds (as Guy) – Free Guy • Alexander Skarsgård (as Nathan Lind) – Godzilla vs. Kong • Harry Styles (as Eros) – Eternals

Sexiest Actress’ Character From a 2021 Film

Awarded to the actress deemed by Cosmo voters to have portrayed the character from a 2021 film whom they would most like to be intimate with, in whatever way the voter chooses to interpret it. Bear in mind that the vote is for the character, not the actress herself. Voters should not feel limited to the following suggestions.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Amy Adams (as Lois Lane) – Jack Snyder’s Justice League • Emily Blunt (as Lily Houghton) – Jungle Cruise • Gemma Chan (as Sersi) – Eternals • Jodie Comer (as Millie) – Free Guy • Ana de Armas (as Paloma) – No Time to Die • Sharon Duncan-Brewster (as Dr. Liet-Kynes) – Dune (2021) • Rebecca Ferguson (as Lady Jessica) – Dune (2021) • Gal Gadot (as Wonder Woman / Diana Prince) – Jack Snyder’s Justice League • Naomie Harris (as Eve Moneypenny) – No Time to Die • Angelina Jolie (as Thena) – Eternals • Angelina Jolie (as Hannah) – Those Who Wish Me Dead • Alexia Muray (as Silvana Reggiani) – House of Gucci • Léa Seydoux (as Madeline) – No Time to Die • Zendaya (as Chani) – Dune (2021)

Best by Genre for 2021

Nomination ballots are due on May 7, 2022.

• Best by Genre ballot: https://forms.gle/8vcntuw3XYGmnrg27

Best Action/Adventure Film of 2021

Awarded to the 2021 film deemed by Cosmo voters to have been the best in the action and/or adventure genres. Voters should not feel limited to the following suggestions.
Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Army of the Dead • Army of Thieves • Black Widow • The Colony • Dune • Eternals • Free Guy • Ghostbusters: Afterlife • The Harder They Fall • High Ground • Jungle Cruise • The King’s Man • No Time to Die • Old Henry • Shadow in the Cloud • Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings • Spider-Man: No Way Home • The Suicide Squad • Venom: Let There Be Carnage • Wrath of Man

Best Animated Film of 2021

Awarded to the 2021 hand-painted or digitally animated film deemed by Cosmo voters to have been the best of the year. Voters may decide for themselves whether films that are partially animated and partially live action (like Who Framed Roger Rabbit?) are eligible. Voters should not feel limited to the following suggestions.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: The Addams Family 2 • The Ape Star • Back to the Outback • Belle • Bob Spit – We Do Not Like People • The Boss Baby: Family Business • Cryptozoo • Encanto • Flee • Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko • Josee, the Tiger and the Fish • The Laws of the Universe – The Age of Elohim • Luca • The Mitchells vs. The Machines • My Sunny Maad • PAW Patrol: The Movie • Pompo the Cinephile • Poupelle of Chimney Town • Raya and the Last Dragon • Ron’s Gone Wrong • Sing 2 • The Spine of the Night • Spirit Untamed • The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run • The Summit of the Gods • Vivo • Wish Dragon

Best Comedic Film of 2021

Awarded to the 2021 film deemed by Cosmo voters to have been the best in the comedy genre. Many films fall in a gray area, and voters will have to decide for themselves whether they consider it to be eligible for the comedic category. Musicals are no longer automatically considered a part of the Comedic category; a dramatic musical would be better suited for the Best Dramatic Film category. It is theoretically possible for a film in the gray area to be nominated in both Comedic and Dramatic categories. Voters should not feel limited to the following suggestions.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Army of Thieves • Atrangi Ri • Baby Done • Back to the Outback • Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar • Bo Burnham: Inside • CODA • Cruella • Cyrano • Deadly Cuts • Don’t Look Up • El Planeta • Encanto • Free Guy • The French Dispatch • Ghostbusters: Afterlife • The Hating Game • Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard • Jungle Cruise • Language Lessons • Licorice Pizza • Limbo • Luca • The Mitchells vs. the Machines • The Paper Tigers • Plan B • Queenpins • Raya and the Last Dragon • Red Notice • Red Rocket • Ron’s Gone Wrong • Shiva Baby • Sing 2 • Together Together • Velle • Werewolves Within • The Worst Person in the World • Zola

Best Documentary Film of 2021

Awarded to the 2021 film deemed by Cosmo voters to have been the best in the reality-based or documentary genre. Voters should not feel limited to the following suggestions.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Acasa, My Home • Ailey • Ascension • Attica • Baloney: A Queer Male Burlesque Documentary • Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry • The Capote Tapes • Changing the Game • Coded Bias • Faya Dayi • The First Wave • Flee • In the Same Breath • Julia • Little Richard: I Am Everything • Mayor • My Name Is Pauli Murray • President • Procession • The Rescue • Sabaya • Simple as Water • The Sparks Brothers • Summer of Soul • The Truffle Hunters • The Velvet Underground • Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched: A History of Folk Horror • Woodstock 99 • Writing with Fire

Best Dramatic Film of 2021

Awarded to the 2021 film deemed by Cosmo voters to have been the best in the dramatic films genre. Musicals are no longer automatically considered in the Comedic category; a dramatic musical would be appropriate here. Voters should not feel limited to the following suggestions.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Being the Ricardos • Belfast • CODA • Drive My Car • Dune • The Eyes of Tammy Faye • House of Gucci • The Lost Daughter • Luzzo • King Richard • Mass • Parallel Mothers • Pig • The Power of the Dog • Quo Vadis, Aida? • Slalom • Spencer • Swan Song • The Tragedy of Macbeth •

Best Fantasy Film of 2021

Fantasy films are a form of speculative fiction that include fantastic themes, usually involving magic, supernatural events, mythology, folklore, or exotic fantasy worlds. Although they are often lumped in with science fiction (as “sci-fi/fantasy”), the Cosmos have a separate award for Science Fiction films. The latter generally delves into futuristic technology, though some fantasy films may use science fiction elements (such as computers, or DNA manipulation) if they take place in a modern or future era. Depending on the extent of these other elements, the story may or may not be considered to be a “hybrid genre” series; for instance, even though the Harry Potter series canon includes the requirement of particular genes to be a wizard, it is referred to only as a fantasy series. Films where the magical elements are contained in another world, such as The Lord of the Rings and the Narnia films, are sometimes called Epic Fantasy or High Fantasy, even when characters from the “real world” are magically transported into the fantasy realm. Films in which magical elements occur in the “real world,” such as Teen Wolf and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, are often called Contemporary, Low, or Urban Fantasy. Superhero films are often considered to be in the fantasy genre even if they include technological elements, though the Cosmos also have a separate award for Supernatural films. Some Horror films also delve into supernatural phenomena, though the Cosmos also have separate awards for Horror/Thriller and Mystery/Suspense films. Many films could be considered appropriate for several of these awards.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Belle • Encanto • Eternals • Free Guy • Ghostbusters: Afterlife • Godzilla vs. Kong • The Green Knight • Lamb • Luca • Mandibles • Nine Days • Raya and the Last Dragon • Spider-Man: No Way Home

Best Historical Film of 2021

Awarded to the 2021 film deemed by Cosmo voters to have best covered a historical person, event, or era. Some historical films may be biographical films covering the true story of actual historical figures, such as Lincoln or The Trial of the Chicago 7, even if some liberties are taking with the historical record. Others may use historical figures in a fictionalized story, such as the appearance of British actor Ivor Novello in Gosford Park, or H.G. Wells and Jack the Ripper in Time After Time. Some may cover a historically recognizable time and place, but with fictional characters in a fictionalized story, such as Gone with the Wind and Saving Private Ryan. Voters will decide for themselves how they choose to regard the category and should not feel limited to these suggestions.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: 12 Mighty Orphans • Adventures of a Mathematician • American Traitor: The Trial of Axis Sally • American Underdog • Amina • Being the Ricardos • Belfast • Benedetta • Cliff Walkers • The Courier • Curiosa • Dance of the Forty One • The East • Edge of the World • The Electrical Life of Louis Wain • The Eyes of Tammy Faye • The Forgotten Battle • High Ground • King Richard • The Last Duel • The Last Frontier • The Lost Leonardo • The Match • Munich: The Edge of War • Nightmare Alley • No Man of God • Oslo • Queen Marie • Respect • Roe v. Wade • Saltwater: The Battle for Ramree Island • Silver Skates • Spencer • Swallow • tick, tick…BOOM! • Women Is Losers • Worth

Best Horror or Thriller Film of 2021

Awarded to the 2021 film deemed by Cosmo voters to have been the best in any combination of the horror and/or thriller genres: films genres intended to elicit fear or disgust. Some of these films may involve explainable frightening situations, such as serial killers, predatory animals, or similar frightening situations. Some overlap with fantasy films, particularly those involving haunted spirits and the afterlife, magical curses, or mythical monsters. Other cross over with science fiction, particularly those involving aliens, dangerous technology, or the aftermath in a post-apocalyptic world. Voters should not feel limited to the following suggestions.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: The Amusement Park • Antlers • Army of the Dead • Azor • The Beta Test • The Black Phone • Body Brokers • Boiling Point • The Boy Behind the Door • Candyman • Censor • The Courier • The Delivered • Detention • Fear Street • Halloween Kills • Initiation • Kriya • Lamb • Lucky • Malignant • Midnight Mass • My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To • The Night House • No One Gets Out Alive • No Sudden Move • Nobody • The Novice • Old • Only the Animals • A Quiet Place: Part II • Riders of Justice • Slaxx • Titane • Violation • The Wasteland

Best LGBTQ Film of 2021

Awarded to the best 2021 film portraying significant lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or otherwise “queer” characters or themes. Voters will have to decide for themselves whether a film merits consideration when the LGBTQ characters and themes are limited to sidekicks, supporting characters, and secondary themes. Voters should not feel limited to the following suggestions.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: After Blue • Ailey • Beauty • Benedetta • Boy Meets Boy • Breaking Fast • The Capote Tapes • Changing the Game • Cowboys • Eternals • Everybody’s Talking About Jamie • Fear Street • Flee • Haymaker • I Carry You With Me • Little Girl • Little Richard: I Am Everything • Ma Belle, My Beauty • The Mitchells vs. The Machines • Moffie • My Name Is Pauli Murray • No Ordinary Man • The Sound of Identity • Parallel Mothers • The Power of the Dog • Pray Away • Sequin in a Blue Room • Shiva Baby • Summer of 85 • Supernova • Tick, Tick…BOOM! • Two of Us • West Side Story • Wojnarowicz • The World to Come

Best Musical Film of 2021

Awarded to the movie musical consisting of a significant amount of singing or dancing deemed by Cosmo voters to have best released theatrically in 2021. These can include traditional musicals that include characters speaking dialog while also sometimes singing songs that advance the plot to varying degrees, such as The Wizard of Oz and The Sound of Music. They can include “sung-through” musicals with little or no spoken dialog, where virtually all communication is through song, such as Rent and The Phantom of the Opera. They can include “jukebox musicals” where pre-existing music is repurposed for the show, such as Mamma Mia! and Meet Me in St. Louis. They can include biographical films of musicals showing the characters singing their own songs, such as Ray and Walk the Line. And they may include musicals where the focus is on the dancing, such as The Gay Divorcee, including films where the characters themselves don’t sing the songs they are dancing to, such as Footloose or The Company. Voters should not feel limited to these suggestions.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Annette • Cinderella • Cyrano • Dear Evan Hansen • Encanto • Everybody’s Talking About Jamie • In the Heights • Music • The Nowhere Inn • Respect • Sing 2 • Tick, Tick…BOOM! • Vivo • West Side Story (2021)

Best Mystery or Suspense Film of 2021

Awarded to the 2021 film deemed by Cosmo voters to have been the best in any combination of the mystery and/or suspense genres. These may involve resolving the solution to a crime or other problematic mystery, and may involve heightening excitement and nervous anticipation, sometimes overlapping with horror or action films. Voters should not feel limited to the following suggestions.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Antlers • Bloodthirsty • Body Brokers • Boss Level • Detention • The Dry • Escape Room: Tournament of Champions • The Evil Next Door • Fever Dream • I Am All Girls • Lamb • Lapsis • Last Looks • Last Night in Soho • The Little Things • Malignant • Midnight in the Switchgrass • The Night House • No Man of God • Old • Only the Animals • Pig • Profile • Raging Fire • Reminiscence • Risen • Saint Maud • The Scary of Sixty-Six • See for Me • Sequin in a Blue Room • The Summit of the Gods • Tragic Jungle • The Voyeurs • The Wasteland • The Woman in the Window

Best Science Fiction Film of 2021

Science Fiction films are a form of speculative fiction like fantasy films, except stories in this genre use scientific understanding rather than magic to explain the universe that it takes place in. It generally includes or is centered on the presumed effects or ramifications of computers or machines; travel through space, time or alternate universes; alien life-forms; genetic engineering; or other such things. The science or technology used may or may not be very thoroughly elaborated on; stories whose scientific elements are reasonably detailed, well-researched and considered to be relatively plausible given current knowledge and technology are often referred to as hard science fiction. Owing to the wide breadth of the genre, it very commonly has elements from other genres, such as action, comedy, alternate history (which is sometimes considered a sub-genre of science fiction), military or spy fiction, and fantasy mixed in, with such combinations often forming new major subgenres in their own right. The Cosmique Movie Awards has separate awards for Fantasy, Horror, and Superhero films, though naturally a particular film may be eligible for multiple awards.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: After Blue • Black Widow • Boss Level • The Colony • Don’t Look Up • Dune (2021) • Eternals • Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time • Fried Barry • Ghostbusters: Afterlife • Godzilla vs. Kong • In the Earth • Lapsis • Little Fish • The Map of Tiny Perfect Things • The Matrix Resurrections • Meander • The Mitchells vs. The Machines • Mother/Android • Never Gonna Snow Again • Night Raiders • Oxygen • The Quiet Place Part II • Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City • Space Sweepers • Stowaway • Venom: Let There Be Carnage

Best Superhero Film of 2021

Superhero Films, a subset of both the science fiction and fantasy genres, are films that examines the adventures of often-costumed crime fighters known as superheroes: people who often possess superhuman powers or advanced technology and are dedicated to helping the public, often by battling similarly powered criminals known as supervillains. In many cases, these powers may sometimes seem magical or sometimes may be granted through technology; many of the stories include explaining the origin of the character’s abilities. Many of these stories originated in comic books and graphic novels. Voters will have to decide for themselves to what extent characters with specialized training and weaponry can count as a superhero. Is Indiana Jones a superhero? Rambo? John McClane from Die Hard? Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan? Many voters would say no, and yet there’s a fine line separating James Bond from Bruce Wayne. Voters will have to decide for themselves where to draw the line.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Black Widow • Eternals • Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings • Space Jam: A New Legacy • Spider-Man: No Way Home • The Suicide Squad • Thunder Force • Venom: Let There Be Carnage • Zack Snyder’s Justice League

Special One-Off Categories

Nomination ballots are due on May 7, 2022.

• Best Specialty Awards ballot: https://forms.gle/pGEmugMPVBAYs3iw5

Best Soundtrack or Score of a 2021 Film

While the Academy Awards are very strict about how they define “original scores” and “original songs,” the Cosmos are much more flexible and are really just interested in which films had the best music. This award is for the film with the best music or score, which can include lyrical songs or purely instrumental music, and can be original songs or music, and/or previously released songs or music.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Annette • Being the Ricardos • Candyman • The Card Counter • C’mon C’mon • Cruella • Don’t Look Up • Dune • Encanto • Free Guy • The French Dispatch • The Green Knight • The Harder They Fall • House of Gucci • In the Heights • King Richard • The Last Duel • Last Night in Soho • Licorice Pizza • Luca • The Matrix Resurrections • Nightmare Alley • No Time to Die • Parallel Mothers • The Power of the Dog • Respect • Spencer • The Suicide Squad • Summer of 85 • Summer of Soul • tick, tick…BOOM! • The Tragedy of Macbeth • West Side Story (2021) • Zola

Best Male Cameo in a 2021 Film

A cameo performance is a brief appearance or voice part of a known person in a work of the performing arts, often unnamed or appearing as themselves. These roles are generally small, many of them non-speaking ones, and are commonly either appearances in a work in which they hold some special significance (such as actors from an original movie appearing in its remake), or renowned people making uncredited appearances, or are unexpected in that the celebrity is more renowned than the part would require. Short appearances by celebrities, film directors, politicians, journalists and media personalities, athletes, and musicians are common. A crew member of the show or movie playing a minor role can be referred to as a cameo as well, such as Alfred Hitchcock’s frequent cameos in the films he directed. Voters will have to decide for themselves at what point a surprise appearance moves from a brief cameo to a minor supporting role.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Dan Aykroyd – Ghostbusters: Afterlife • Bradley Cooper – Licorice Pizza • Pete Davidson – The Suicide Squad • Chris Evans – Don’t Look Up • Chris Evans – Free Guy • Andrew Garfield – Spider-Man: No Way Home • Joel Grey – tick, tick…BOOM! • Ernie Hudson – Ghostbusters: Afterlife • Michael B. Jordan – Space Jam: A New Legacy • Tobey Maguire – Spider-Man: No Way Home • Lin-Manual Miranda – tick, tick…BOOM! • Bill Murray – Ghostbusters: Afterlife • Patton Oswalt – Eternals • Mark Ruffalo – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings • M. Night Shyamalan – Old • Harry Styles – Eternals • Channing Tatum – Free Guy • Alex Trebek – Free Guy • Benedict Wong – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Best Female Cameo in a 2021 Film

A cameo performance is a brief appearance or voice part of a known person in a work of the performing arts, often unnamed or appearing as themselves. These roles are generally small, many of them non-speaking ones, and are commonly either appearances in a work in which they hold some special significance (such as actors from an original movie appearing in its remake), or renowned people making uncredited appearances, or are unexpected in that the celebrity is more renowned than the part would require. Short appearances by celebrities, film directors, politicians, journalists and media personalities, athletes, fashion industry figures, and musicians are common. A crew member of the show or movie playing a minor role can be referred to as a cameo as well, such as Alfred Hitchcock’s frequent cameos in the films he directed. Voters will have to decide for themselves at what point a surprise appearance moves from a brief cameo to a minor supporting role.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Imane Anys (Pokimane) – Free Guy • Harriet Sansom Harris – Licorice Pizza • Brie Larson – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings • Julia Louis-Dreyfus – Black Widow • Reba McEntire – Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar • Bebe Neuwirth – tick, tick…BOOM! • Bernadette Peters – tick, tick…BOOM! • Annie Potts – Ghostbusters: Afterlife • Chita Rivera – tick, tick…BOOM! • Laura Spencer – Free Guy • Sigourney Weaver – Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Favorite Female Empowerment Film of 2021

In the wake of the first major party’s female nominee’s Electoral College defeat in 2016 against one of the most openly misogynistic candidates in memory – despite garnering a higher popular vote than any white man ever – 2017 showed the emergence of a new women’s movement. It began with the recording-breaking women’s marches in January and reached a crescendo with the toppling of Hollywood and Beltway titans as women spoke out about long-term, pervasive sexual harassment. In that light, we began showcasing and honoring films that empower women starting with the 2017 awards year, and have continued the tradition ever since.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: Benedetta • Black Widow • CODA • Cruella • Encanto • Eternals • The Eyes of Tammy Faye • Halloween Kills • The Lost Daughter • Memoria • Moxie • Paper Spiders • Parallel Mothers • A Quiet Place: Part II • Respect • Sophie Jones • Spencer • Zach Snyder’s Justice League

Favorite Film Depiction of Underrepresented Voices in 2021

This award is intended to recognize films depicting stories and experiences typically underrepresented in Hollywood, such as stories about and by people of color, people with disabilities, and other minority groups.

Vote for up to six, including write-ins.

Buzzworthy: 7 Prisoners • American Refugee • Amina • Black Widow • Bruised • Candyman • CODA • Concrete Cowboy • Encanto • Eternals • The Harder They Fall • King Richard • National Champions • Passing • A Quiet Place: Part II • Respect • Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings • Summer of Soul • Swan Song • West Side Story (2021)