A select committee of judges has once again come together for the purpose of recognizing outstanding work that promotes diversity in the comic book medium both on the page and behind the scenes, in the spirit of the pioneering creator, Dwayne McDuffie.
“I’m thrilled to join the judging committee for this year’s Dwayne McDuffie Awards and be a part of elevating underrepresented voices in comics. Being recognized and meeting so many of Dwayne’s friends and colleagues was a huge moment in my career. I’m happy to be a part of bestowing that honor on more creators.”–Nilah Magruder
“A storytelling pioneer in everything he did, Dwayne understood the importance of recognizing and supporting inclusive excellence in the arts. He was also a mentor and friend to me whose guidance and advice was invaluable when I first started writing comic books. Today the DMADs continue (Dwayne’s mission) by spotlighting brilliant contemporary talents,and I’m honored to be a small part of this incredible tradition.”–Eric Wallace
“One of the many things I loved about Dwayne was that he understood having diversity without inclusivity is meaningless. Whether it was through his writing or his relationships with people, he was determined to create spaces where every human being could feel equal and valued, not just represented. At a time when many are attempting to quiet the voices of the excluded and denied, this award is shouting from the rooftops that everyone deserves a seat at the table… and while at that table, their voices must be welcomed.”–DMAD Director, Will J. Watkins
“I couldn’t be more pleased that by now, year 8, this award in my late husband’s name has already long-since earned a stellar reputation for highlighting excellence and inclusiveness on the page and behind the scenes; for bringing yet-to-be-discovered writers and artists to industry-wide attention; and attracted such impressive talents as our past nominees and winners, all of whom have gone on to continue creating outstanding work that would make Dwayne proud.”–Dwayne’s widow, Charlotte (Fullerton) McDuffie
Please note: All of the information provided will be kept confidential and be used for evaluation purposes only. The judging committee will review the submissions and select the nominees, then the Award honoree. Among the criteria for inclusion are: Broadening the range of characters portrayed in comics, adding to the variety of creators contributing to the medium, influence on the marketplace and contributions to the advancement of women, minorities, LGBTQ+ and disabled individuals in comic books and pop culture.
To submit a nomination, please complete all fields and submit each nomination form separately. You can submit the work to be considered in multiple ways indicated below.
The winner will be announced December 1, 2023 in a virtual awards’ ceremony presided over by returning MC, actor Phil LaMarr, who voiced both the heroes Static/Virgil and John Stewart/Green Lantern in the animated Warner Bros.’ series, Static Shock and Justice League Unlimited, written and produced by Mr. McDuffie.
Fun fact: New DMAD judge “Eric Wallace” was a character in the movie Free Enterprise, played by Phil LaMarr!