ACL Conference Awards Policy

This document lays out a standard protocol for awards at ACL conferences (Note that for conferences colocated with a non-ACL event there may need to be some adjustments depending on the policies of the other event. Also, this process was not developed for workshops or journals.). The goal of introducing the policy is to have a consistent approach that suits the scale of our conferences today. The policy is designed to highlight work that is interesting along a variety of axes in ways that encourage discussion. Recognizing valuable work in a consistent way also means the value is clearer (e.g., for hiring and tenure cases).

Award Types and Criteria

Best Paper Award

We define "Best" as work that is particularly fascinating, controversial, surprising, impressive, and/or potentially field-changing.

• "Best Paper Award": Typically no more than 6 papers receive this award. These papers are presented in a plenary session at the conference. PCs should consider scheduling this plenary session early in the conference, to encourage discussion of the papers during the conference.
• "Outstanding Paper Award": 1.5–2.5% of accepted papers, selected as part of the same process. This allows for broader recognition of work that meets the criteria.
• "Area Chair's Award": Up to one paper per track. These are selected by the SACs for each track.
• Short and long papers are considered together for these awards.

Test of Time Award

See the policy at Test-of-Time Papers Award.