The Alliance of Women Film Journalists’ EDA Awards recognize the amazing work done by and about women–both in front and behind the camera.

The EDAs are named in honor of AWFJ founder Jennifer Merin’s mother, Eda Reiss Merin, a stage, film and television actress whose career spanned more than 60 years. A dedicated foot soldier in the industry, Eda was one of the founders of AFTRA and a long-standing Member of AMPAS.

EDA is also an acronym for Excellent Dynamic Activism, qualities shared by Eda Reiss Merin, AWFJ members and those honored with EDA Awards.

AWFJ presents three types of awards. The “Best of” and “Female Focus” categories are presented annually, while “Special Mention” categories vary each year in response to the films that have been released during that year.

The EDA Awards are announced in December of each year. In celebration of the EDA Awards, it is an AWFJ tradition to create cocktails inspired by the year’s winning films and to share the recipes with movie lovers everywhere. Enjoy!

EDA Awards Archives