ATLANTA—AmericasMart again hosted the America’s Magnificent Carpets Awards—the industry’s most prestigious awards ceremony honoring the best area rug introductions—in conjunction with its winter rug market. Themed “Night Made Bright,” the awards attracted approximately 1,200 attendees to the Georgia Ballroom of The Georgia World Congress Center here.

Sponsored by Architectural Digest, the 2008 America’s Magnificent Carpets Awards presented 14 companies with prizes in the following categories: Handmade, Antique, Contemporary, Power-loomed and Buyer’s Choice—chosen by retailers from around the world. The winners were hand-picked by a panel of independent judges and displayed in the MOI (Museum of Introductions)—the industry’s exclusive showing of new area rugs featured at AmericasMart in a professional, museum-like setting.

Cindy Simmons, co-host of the Cindy and Ray Show in the afternoons on local radio station STAR 94 announced the following award recipients with judges comments:

Handmade $0-$12 (per square foot)—Chandra Rugs, accepted by Revi Tiwari, for its “intelligent design engineering, fresh graphics, dramatic look and wonderful use of two colors.”

Power-loomed $0-$200—Capel, accepted by Allen Robertson, for its “tight pile, good use in high-traffic areas, nice neutral colors and vintage look.”

Handmade $12.01-$23 (per square foot)—Pasargad Carpets, accepted by Beni Isfanany, for its “great variety of color, very strong border and good texture.”

Power-loomed $200.01-$400— Shaw Living, accepted by Guy Gazzilli and Ken Breithaupt, for its “scale of pattern, nice balance of color and interesting geometry square and arabesque mix.”

Handmade $23.01-$35 (per square foot)—F.J. Kashanian Rug Corp., accepted by Jonathan Kashanian, for its “innovative design, artful execution and pleasing and useable colors.”

Handmade $35.01-$46 (per square foot)—Amici Imports, accepted by Charles Cashin, for its “traditional design with modern looks, refined beauty and its natural, raw linen of the field color.”

Power-loomed $400.01-$1,000—Colonial Mills, accepted by Donald Scarlata, for its “beautiful subtle colors, innovation, hand woven looks and usability.”

Handmade $46.01-$56 (per square foot)—Paramount, accepted by Roshan Bhattarai, for its “gusty design, Japanese stencil look, nice combination of wool and silk textures; matte and shine are a good example of the direction of upcoming trends.”

Power loomed $1,000.01 plus— Karastan, accepted by Bill Roach and Ed McRae, for its “nice pattern, true original source, interesting colors and original look.”

Handmade $56.01-$65 (per square foot)—The Creative Touch, accepted by Baki Ildiz, for its “charming totally new look with an old motif and because you can see the spirit of the weaver.”

Handmade $65.01 plus (per square foot)—Michaelian & Kohlberg, accepted by Stacey Chjavetta and Ali Chaudhry, for its “wonderful design, lovely patina, shot of indigo, sophistication and because it speaks directly to your soul.”

Contemporary—American Cottage, accepted by Kevin Sleeper and Jodi Sleeper, for its “English ladies in waiting motif, beautiful craftsmanship, 17th century design and brilliance and originality.”

Buyer’s Choice—Capa Imports, accepted by Sonny Cicek and Mhehmet Cinar.

Antique—Chaman Oriental Rugs, accepted by Omid Chaman and Daryoosh Chaman.

Superior showrooms were also honored at the awards night, and winners included: Balta US, Caravan Couture Rugs, Momeni and Monti Rugs. For more on AmericasMart, visit www.americasmart.com.