About the Award
The Hollow: Paranormal Investigator of the Year honors an individual whose work has expanded the paranormal field through integrity, courage, and meaningful contribution. This award recognizes investigators who do more than chase activity—those who research deeply, give back generously, build community, and/or contribute compelling evidence that challenges how we understand the unknown.
Nominees must demonstrate substantial experience in at least TWO of the THREE qualifying categories outlined below.
Nominee Information
Nominee Name:
Affiliation / Team (if applicable):
Years Active in Paranormal Investigation:
Primary Focus Areas (check all that apply):
☐ Haunted locations
☐ Haunted objects
☐ Historical hauntings
☐ Mediumship / experiential research
☐ Cryptids
☐ UFO / UAP
☐ Other (please specify):
Website / Social Media / Publications (optional):
Eligibility Requirement
To be eligible for The Hollow: Paranormal Investigator of the Year, the nominee must demonstrate meaningful experience in at least TWO of the following THREE categories:
☐ Research & Investigative Practice
☐ Philanthropy & Community Building
☐ Groundbreaking or Significant Evidence
Please indicate which categories apply and complete the corresponding sections.
SECTION I: RESEARCH & INVESTIGATIVE PRACTICE
(Complete if Research is one of the nominee’s qualifying categories)
Describe the nominee’s investigative approach. How do they research locations, cases, or phenomena, and how do they document and analyze findings?
Provide examples of structured or long-term research conducted by the nominee (e.g., repeat investigations, historical documentation, experimental methods, data comparison).
How does the nominee demonstrate ethical responsibility when working with clients, locations, or claimed phenomena?
Has the nominee contributed to education or knowledge-sharing within the paranormal field?
(Examples: lectures, panels, publications, workshops, podcasts, mentorship.)
SECTION II: PHILANTHROPY & COMMUNITY BUILDING
(Complete if Philanthropy & Community Building is one of the nominee’s qualifying categories)
Describe how the nominee gives back to the paranormal community or the public at large.
(Examples may include mental health advocacy, charitable fundraising, historical preservation, inclusivity efforts, or community education.)
Provide specific examples of events, initiatives, or programs the nominee has supported or led.
How has the nominee helped create safer, more ethical, or more inclusive spaces within paranormal investigation?
Describe the impact of the nominee’s community or philanthropic efforts.
SECTION III: GROUNDBREAKING OR SIGNIFICANT EVIDENCE
(Complete if Groundbreaking Evidence is one of the nominee’s qualifying categories)
Describe the most compelling or innovative evidence the nominee has contributed to the field.
What makes this evidence significant or groundbreaking?
(Consider originality, methodology, corroboration, historical relevance, or impact on ongoing discourse.)
Has this evidence been reviewed, debated, or referenced by other investigators, researchers, or media outlets?
How did the nominee responsibly contextualize this evidence for the public, particularly regarding belief, uncertainty, and ethical disclosure?
CORE QUESTIONS – REQUIRED FOR ALL NOMINEES
In what ways does the nominee’s work reflect the spirit of The Hollow—exploring the unknown while honoring history, humanity, and ethical responsibility?
How does the nominee balance belief and skepticism in their investigations?
Describe a moment in the nominee’s career that demonstrates integrity, humility, or respect for the people, places, or histories involved.
How has the nominee influenced others in the paranormal field or inspired thoughtful engagement with the unexplained?
Supporting Materials (Optional but Encouraged)
Please attach or link any of the following:
Case reports or investigative documentation
Audio/video evidence with context
Publications, presentations, or media features
Letters of support or testimonials
Documentation of community or charitable efforts
Nominator Information
Name:
Relationship to Nominee:
Email Address:
Phone (optional):
Certification
By submitting this nomination, I affirm that the nominee meets the eligibility requirement of demonstrated experience in at least TWO of the THREE qualifying categories and that the information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Signature: ___________________________
Date: ___________________________
The Hollow Paracon & Film Fest
Where the shadows gather, the stories matter, and the unknown is treated with respect.