Shorts Race Dispatch — 2026-10-12

Festival Updates

This week has seen a flurry of updates from prominent film festivals, all of which are crucial in the lead-up to the 99th Academy Awards. The Festival de Cannes, Palm Springs International ShortFest, Raindance Film Festival, Locarno Film Festival, and Venice International Film Festival have all had their respective pages updated with the latest information on short film selections, nominees, and award winners. Notably, the Palm Springs International ShortFest award winners are now available through multiple sources, including a backup from the Palm Springs Post, ensuring that readers have access to this important information.

Tracking the Contenders

Among the updates, the Raindance Film Festival has announced its nominees and winners for 2026, with Variety providing detailed coverage of the short film winners. The Locarno Film Festival's awards palmares are also available, with the Italian Wikipedia page offering a comprehensive list of winners, including exact sponsor names. These updates are vital for tracking the contenders in the shorts race, as they provide insight into which films are gaining momentum and critical acclaim.

Upcoming Festivals and Deadlines

Looking ahead to the next two weeks, the Chicago International Film Festival is set to start on October 14, followed by AFI Fest on October 21. These festivals will play a significant role in shaping the shorts race, as they provide a platform for films to gain exposure and build their Oscar campaigns. As the festival season heats up, it's essential to stay informed about the latest developments and updates.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

For the full picture on the shorts race, including the latest festival updates, award winners, and contender analysis, visit shorts-tracker.com/race to stay ahead of the curve and get the inside track on the road to the 99th Academy Awards.