The most frequently presented Miss America awards are for preliminary talent and swimsuit. The talent award was introduced in 1936, and the swimsuit award in 1940. In the 2000s, preliminary awards for evening gown and interview were briefly introduced but were discontinued after two years as it was felt that they made the semi-finalists too predictable.
Other awards include Miss Congeniality, given out in the early years of the pageant and re-introduced at Miss America 2006, and the Quality of Life Award for a contestant's platform, first awarded in 1989.
Preliminary awards Preliminary on stage interview/Social Impact Pitch award YearWinnerStateTopicPlacement at Miss AmericaNotes2023Kelsey HollisGeorgiaAutism Acceptance: A Platform for Change4th Runner-upBailey HodsonIowaAmericans for the Arts – Advocate, Educate, Invest2022Emma BroylesAlaskaCreating Inclusive Communities Through SportsWinnerMallory FullerTexasMallory's Mission: Suicide PreventionTop 102021The 2021 edition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic2020 Victoria Hill Georgia 1st runner-up Double preliminary winnerJade GlabNew JerseyTop 152019Gabriela TaverasMassachusettsAmericans' interactions abroad4th runner-up STEM ScholarshipEmili McPhailVirginia Kneeling during the national anthem Tianna VanderheiWisconsin Higher education Top 15 1921–2018 Not awarded at these pageants
Preliminary talent award