A system and a method for prioritizing network traffic using application awareness and network awareness in a network environment is disclosed. An exemplary method can include receiving a network traffic priority for network traffic associated with a job performed by a distributed application; and based on the network traffic priority, assigning the network traffic to a network classification model, such as an access control list, associated with a network element for directing the network traffic in a network. The network classification model is associated with a network traffic priority class having defined quality of service (QoS) features, such that the network traffic traverses the network according to the defined QoS features.