Since 2018, CSF recognizes a subset (between 5% and 20%) of the accepted papers as Distinguished Papers, which are papers that the Program Committee thinks should be read broadly by the CSF community and beyond. The Distinguished Papers are listed by year below.

In 2023, CSF has introduced Test-of-Time Awards to celebrate CSF papers with enduring significance and outstanding impact. The awarded papers must be published at least 10 years prior to being awarded. The papers that have recieved Test-of-Time Awards are listed by year below.