If You’re Not Nominated, You Cannot Win

The James Beard Foundation has opened the entry and recommendation window for the 2026 James Beard Awards now through Friday, November 21, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET. 

These are the culinary world’s benchmark honors, spotlighting excellence across restaurants, bars, media, and the broader food system plus a commitment to equity, community, sustainability, and creating a culture where all can thrive. Recognition at any stage (semifinalist, nominee, or winner) meaningfully moves the needle as many recent semifinalists reported increased covers after their nods.

Who Should Throw Their Hat In

Restaurants & Chefs (yes, self-recommendations are welcome)

Beverage Pros & Bars (including the newer categories added in 2025)

Media: Books, Broadcast, Journalism

Changemakers: Lifetime Achievement, Humanitarian of the Year, and Impact Awards (introduced in 2025)

What’s New(ish) & Notable

Impact Awards recognize visionaries driving transformative change in the food system.

Expanded beverage recognition: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.

Key Dates

Open Call Window: Opens Wed, Oct 1, 2025 (9:00 a.m. ET) • Closes Fri, Nov 21, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET)

Physical Book Deadline (Media/Books): Fri, Dec 5, 2025

Ceremonies (Chicago):

Media Awards — Sat, June 13, 2026

Impact Awards — Sun, June 14, 2026

Restaurant & Chef Awards — Mon, June 15, 2026

How to Enter or Recommend

Restaurant & Chef Awards: Submit a recommendation (free).

Impact Awards: Submit a recommendation (free).

Media Awards (Books, Broadcast, Journalism): Submit an entry ($85 per entry; fee waivers available upon request).

Pro-Tip: You can self-recommend!

The 2026 James Beard Awards ceremonies will be hosted in Chicago June 13-15, 2026 —> Mark Your Calendars Now.