Publications

I know there’s a word for it, and I think it’s a long word too, but I can’t think of it – a more fitting and proper term for something that is being judged (usually a publication/ you know, when narrowing entries?) when referring to a "judged" Journal/Publication/Contest

It is hard to tell exactly what you are looking for. However, see if any of these speak to it:
selection committee
Winners will be selected by a panel of judges.
considered
designated
ranked