Directors' Choice
Each submission entered into the TC/RHDF Competition is automatically considered for the Director’s Choice (DC) award.
The staff of Third Coast listens to every submission entered into the Competition each year, and reserves the Directors’ Choice category to shine a light on an exceptional audio story that belongs in the year’s cohort of winners. We might be biased, but this is our favorite award! It's an incredible opportunity to share our values as judges ourselves, who have also listened to every single entry in the Competition.
Please note: The 2022-23 Call for Entries closed on March 10, 2023.
For Entrants
Background
We’re biased, but Directors’ Choice is our favorite category! There is one Award-Winner in this category, honored with a cash prize, unique physical award, and recognition around the world, including a public showcase of comments from the judges (the listening staff at Third Coast!) We now offer a list of Third Coast Finalists in this category, announced alongside Award-Winners. Learn more about all of our Competition Offerings, and share your input to help us expand them in the future.
Directors' Choice FAQ
How do I enter the Directors’ Choice category?
- All entries submitted to the Competition are automatically considered for Directors’ Choice.
Previous Winners
Interested in hearing pieces that have won this category in prior years? Click on the play button button next to some of our most recent winners below.

Lost Notes: 1980
To experience this award-winning series in full, including a transcript and listening instructions, click here.

The Work Of Closing A Notorious Jail
Five years after Michael Brown’s death at the hands of a police officer galvanized criminal justice reform activists in St. Louis, they mounted a serious effort to shut down the notorious Workhouse jail.

No Feeling Is Final
Usually when we talk about suicide we say those four magic words: "Just ask for help." But Honor Eastly knows it’s not that simple.

Espera / Wait
Two lovers share an intimate conversation on the eve of their breakup, exploring loneliness and intimacy.
- 2018
- 13:16
- Sayre Quevedo