For something to "be nominated" for an award means that someone has entered it into the competition for that award:

They were nominated for several awards for their groundbreaking program.

For some kinds of awards, you can nominate yourself. For others, someone else has to nominate you. In the case of the Academy Awards, a group of film actors, directors, and producers choose who can compete for the award.

People can also be nominated for elected positions:

She was nominated to run for Vice President of her class.