APEX 2009 awards were based on excellence in graphic design, editorial content and the success of the entry - in the opinion of the judges - in achieving overall communications effectiveness and excellence.

Naturally, entries in design categories were judged solely on the basis of their graphic design, and writing entries were evaluated primarily on the basis of editorial quality.

A total of 100 APEX Grand Awards were presented in 11 major categories to honor the outstanding works in those categories. 1,158 APEX Awards of Excellence recognize excellence in 122 individual categories.

Adding the glamour quotient to the ceremony were the Big Boss (Season 3) inmates Claudia Ciesla & Sherlyn Chopra. The Sow started on 4th October 2009 on Colors and will continue to do so daily at 9 p.m. for 84 Days with Amitabh Bachchan as the host. Where Sherlyn was evicted quite early, Claudia was evicted after staying 10 weeks in the show on day 68.