Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards

The Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, started in 1988, was the first awards show created specifically for kids. The ceremony is, accordingly, very different from any other awards show. Celebrities walk an orange – as opposed to red – carpet. Winners are announced in all manner of quirky ways – with the names printed on anything but the traditional envelope. 

The trophy used is a particularly unique object – a bright orange blimp shaped statuette. Most significantly, what sets the Kids’ Choice Award apart from other trophies is the fact that it is also a working kaleidoscope! The custom award was introduced in 1990 and has remained relatively unchanged as it has transformed into a beloved brand icon.

One of the most iconic parts of the show is the act of “sliming.” This is when a guest, host or audience member is doused in bright green “slime.” This happens in all manner of unexpected ways – from above, cannons and, as Katy Perry famously found out, rigged boxes. In addition, each year a celebrity is expected to put on a different record breaking sliming ‘stunt.’

Awards categories change frequently to keep the show relevant and youthful. Among the long-running categories are: favorite cartoon and TV show, favorite TV and movie actors and actresses, as well as favorite song, musical artist and video game.