While the Memphis Elegance Awards has previously featured a cosplay category, 2024 stands out as a milestone year. Historically, the category hadn’t gained much traction, but this year’s event marked a turning point. With the help of local events like Anime Blues Con and Memphis Comic Expo, and the efforts of Facebook groups such as 901AnimeSummit and Nerd Life 901, the cosplay community in Memphis has flourished, creating the perfect environment for the category’s resurgence.
Spotlight on Male and Female Cosplayers of the Year
This year, the Memphis Elegance Awards presented two standout accolades in the cosplay category: Male Cosplayer of the Year and Female Cosplayer of the Year. The competition was tough, with impressive talents nominated in both categories. Ultimately, Lawrence Gant took home the award for Male Cosplayer of the Year, and Tijuana Miller (aka Chocolate Cheri’e Delight) won Female Cosplayer of the Year, earning well-deserved recognition for their craftsmanship and creativity.
The nominees for Male Cosplayer of the Year were:
- Keyion Logan (aka Keycann Cosplay)
- Lawrence Gant (Winner)
- Quentin Walker (aka Neomaster_6000)
- Kenneth McGowan
- Kenneth Dunn
The nominees for Female Cosplayer of the Year included:
- Mia Denay
- Celeste Mitchner
- Tijuana Miller (aka Chocolate Cheri’e Delight) (Winner)
- Cedkecia Crokett (aka Hayami Angel Cosplay)
Reflecting on her win, Tijuana Miller expressed her excitement, saying, “Having an awards show in Memphis, much less being invited, has got to be one of the most surreal experiences I’ve had in this city! It was like being invited to the Met Gala! But to win in the category I was nominated for simply blew me away! I’m still trying to process because I’m still in shock!”
Lawrence Gant also shared his thoughts, saying, “My experience with the Memphis Elegance Awards was a huge shocker to me, because I’ve only been part of the cosplay community for less than 3 years; but it was a heartwarming and honoring feeling. Winning in that category held so much weight and joy in my heart, because I’ve been away from Memphis for almost 10 years; and I moved back in summer 2019. I never knew such acknowledgment of our community existed in the city with its attention being mostly around the music and phenomenal food culture; so I look forward to more exposure of our cosplay community from Memphis, TN and everywhere around the world to go viral!”
Cedkecia Crokett, also known as Hayami Angel Cosplay, added, “I thought it was nice for the cosplay community to have recognition. Memphis has a lot of talent in different forms of avenues, so to see that Memphis shining light on cosplay was cool.”
Aminah, co-founder of the Memphis Elegance Awards, remarked on the significance of this year’s event, stating, “Memphis Elegance Awards 2024 was the biggest year so far, with over 300 people in attendance, including one category that represented to the fullest! Our Male and Female Cosplay Categories did not come to play this year, as they showed up in their best cosplay outfits, and were the talk of the night! I’m glad to see this industry being recognized and appreciated and look forward to more involvement with the cosplay community for years to come.”
Community-Driven Success
The renewed success of the cosplay category at the awards was driven by the growing visibility of cosplay in the Memphis area. Conventions like Anime Blues Con and Memphis Comic Expo have played significant roles in bringing together cosplayers, artists, and fans. Meanwhile, online groups like 901AnimeSummit and Nerd Life 901 have become vibrant communities where cosplayers can connect, share ideas, and support each other. This collaboration has been pivotal in elevating the local scene.
Looking Ahead
The inclusion of these awards at the Memphis Elegance Awards not only celebrates the individual achievements of the nominees and winners but also reflects a broader acceptance of cosplay as a legitimate and respected art form. With local conventions and online communities fueling this momentum, the future looks bright for Memphis cosplayers.
As the cosplay category gains more attention and prestige, it’s clear that the art of cosplay in Memphis is on the rise, and 2024 will be remembered as the year that cemented its place in the city’s artistic and cultural landscape.
To stay up to date with all the excitement, be sure to follow the Memphis Elegance Awards on social media and mark your calendars for next year’s event. With 2024 setting a new standard for the cosplay community and beyond, there’s no doubt that the Memphis Elegance Awards will continue to grow in influence and impact. Don’t miss your chance to witness the creativity, talent, and celebration of excellence firsthand at the 2025 awards!
