The hall contest is soley a craftsmanship contest. All placing awards (first, 2nd, 3rd, best of) are based SOLELY on your craftsmanship. You don't have to act like the character or be built just like them to win ..That is what the Masquerade is about! The Judges awards can be given for anything, but they are generally given for craftsmanship. They however do not count in the grand scheme of things, they will not up your division (novice, journeyman, craftsman etc) or anything. They are just a nod from the judge of "hey you were cool"
Good Hall costume/Craftsmanship contests are neve