About Us
The first awards show dedicated entirely to unscripted television — founded in 2012, celebrating its 12th annual ceremony.
What is Reality?
Reality is any and everything we can experience and reflect upon.Reality is the every day moments, great and small, from birth to death. Reality is the challenges, successes and failures of our shared experience. Reality is the love, loss, joy and sorrow that binds all of humanity together. Reality is the courage to face the truth, and the grace to accept what we cannot change. Reality is the unscripted, unfiltered, undeniable humanity that connects us all.
— The ARTAS Mission
The First Awards ShowHonoring Unscripted Television
The American Reality Television Awards supports, examines and redefines the art of reality in media by rewarding excellence, encouraging experimentation and recognizing that the public is the heart of our industry.
We embrace the spirit of fun and camaraderie which is an inherent part of what makes this industry great. We value the rich diversity of programming that puts reality in media on the leading edge of entertainment.
Founded in 2012 by Executive Producers Kristen Moss & Andrew Ward
The ARTAS Timeline
ARTAS Founded
Kristen Moss and Andrew Ward launch the American Reality Television Awards — the first dedicated awards show for unscripted television in America.
Abby Lee Miller — Three Consecutive Wins
“Best Villain” three years running. Dance Moms’ Abby Lee Miller holds the record for consecutive wins in a single category.
3-Year Streak
Leah Remini, Gordon Ramsay & Heidi & Spencer Pratt
Leah Remini wins “Reality Queen,” Gordon Ramsay takes “Best Host,” and The Hills’ most iconic couple enters the Hall of Fame.
Hall of Fame
RuPaul & Janice Dickinson
RuPaul earns “Best Host” for RuPaul’s Drag Race, while the original supermodel Janice Dickinson joins the Hall of Fame.
Hall of Fame
Ellen DeGeneres & Steve Harvey
Ellen takes “Best Game Show,” Steve Harvey claims “Best Host” — a year celebrating the full breadth of unscripted talent.
Deadliest Catch — 4-Year Winning Streak
The Discovery Channel’s Bering Sea documentary wins “Bad Ass Crew” four consecutive years, the longest winning streak in ARTAS history.
4-Year Record
12th Annual ARTAS & Beyond
The 12th Annual winners are revealed throughout April 2026. The 13th Annual opens for submissions April 1 — the legacy continues to grow.
Notable Winners
2019
2019
2015
2015
2016
2014 – 2016
4-Year Streak
Reality TV Hall of Fame
Icons whose contributions to unscripted television transcend individual shows and seasons.
Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame
Past Hosts
Iconic entertainers who have graced the ARTAS stage across our twelve ceremonies.