Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) introduced a blockchain-based way for artists to create, distribute and monetize their work. Blending technology with artistry, NFTs allow for authentic ownership of digital assets in a manner previously unattainable. As the ecosystem matures, celebrating the most distinguished helps artist showcase their art and foster a sense of community among them, collectors and enthusiasts.
Dubbed the “Oscars of NFTs,” the ftNFT Awards 2024 captured this spirit of community and recognition. Held on Nov. 14 at Malta’s historic Fort Manoel, the event brought over a thousand NFT enthusiasts, digital artists and business leaders together to award the best in the space.
Picture a centuries-old fortress illuminated by digital art displays, where artists and technologists gathered for an evening that merged the old with the new —that was the scene at the ftNFT Awards 2024. The event presented a vivid space to forge new connections and take part in discussions that contribute to shaping the future of NFTs.
An evening for entertainment and connecting
The evening commenced at 7:00 pm CET with a red-carpet welcome, where guests were treated to welcome drinks and the tunes of a live band. The atmosphere was electric, charged with vibrant conversations about blockchain-powered art. Outside, hundreds of locals were in line to attend performances by global sensations like Jason Derulo, DJ Artbat and Leblanc, who were set to headline the afterparty.
As the sun set, the main event kicked off with a mesmerizing cabaret show, setting the stage for the ceremony. Fastex’s ftNFT YoCerebrum Awards rewarded top picks across 12 categories, putting the spotlight on both established and emerging talents in the NFT ecosystem. Categories include:
- NFT Project of the Year
- Best Art Exhibition in Phygital Space
- Rising NFT Star
- Best Phygital NFT
- Most Innovative NFT Collection
- Best Motion Art NFT
- Best AKNEYE Artist During Biennale 2024
- Best AKNEYE Artist
- Best Space in YoCerebrum
- Best Fashion NFT Project
- Best Dream Package Project
- Best Web 3.0 Media Coverage
You Could Suffer in Heaven won the NFT Project of the Year award. Cacticrew was selected the Most Innovative NFT Collection, while Anastasia NFTart was named the Rising NFT Star.
Winners were decided through blockchain-based, transparent public voting, combined with data from the ftNFT marketplace and insights from a panel of experts. Each winning project received Fasttoken (FTN) —alongside global recognition.
Kane Tallowin, who clinched the NFT Project of the Year award, told Cointelegraph the event serves as a launchpad for those at the start of their journey:
“Emerging NFT artists should use these events as a means of networking and distribution for their artwork.”
Other award winners share this sentiment, believing events like the ftNFT Awards can help gain mainstream attention and ignite the next NFT bull market.
Emphasizing blockchain’s contribution to art, John Charles, the winner of the Best Art Exhibition in a Phygital Space award, said:
“The immutable and tamper-proof nature of NFTs awards provable originality to digital art, which will lead to a new wave of growth for the industry.”
A digital renaissance
The night reached its crescendo with a spectacular fireworks display during the closing ceremony. Following the group photo, the stage was ready for the after party.
The afterparty was nothing short of legendary. Local bands warmed up the crowd before Jason Derulo took the stage before midnight, having everyone dancing. The energy only increased as DJ Artbat and Leblanc spun tracks into the early hours, turning Fort Manoel into a pulsating hub of music and art.
🏆 The ftNFT YoCerebrum Awards 2024 may be over, but the highlights are just starting!
— ftNFT Phygital Space (@ftNFT) November 18, 2024
Watch Jason Derulo rock the stage, make everyone loco and get everyone dancing! ⚡️#ftNFT #ftNFTYoCerebrumAwards2024 #malta pic.twitter.com/eB2SzBHDfx
As the last beats of music faded and guests departed into the Maltese night, one thing was clear: the event set a new standard for celebrating digital art. By hosting a futuristic vision in a landscape with historical grandeur, the event encapsulated the essence of a digital renaissance.
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