Academy-Qualifying Film Festivals for the 99th Oscars (2027)
Complete guide to festivals where short films can qualify for the 99th Academy Awards — dates, awards, deadlines, and what to expect.
Aspen Shortsfest
Qualifying awards: Best Animation, Best Documentary, Best Drama, Best Comedy, Best Short Short
On the Academy qualifying-festival list. Multiple qualifying award categories.
Festival de Cannes
Qualifying awards: Palme d'Or — Best Short Film
Submission deadline passed Mar 9, 2026. Qualifying award: Palme d'Or — Best Short Film.
Tribeca Festival
Qualifying awards: Best Animated Short Film Award, Best Short Documentary Award, Best Narrative Short Film
Extended short-film submission deadline was Feb 13, 2026 (closed). Three qualifying awards.
Palm Springs International ShortFest
Qualifying awards: Best Animation Short, Best Documentary Short, Best of the Festival Award, Best Live Action Short (15 min and under), Best Live Action Short (over 15 min)
One of the largest short film festivals in North America. Five qualifying award categories.
HollyShorts Film Festival
Qualifying awards: Best Animation Short Film, Best Documentary Short Film, Best Short Film Grand Prize, Best Live Action Short Film
Four qualifying award categories across all three Oscar short categories.
Student Academy Awards 2026
Qualifying awards: Animation Medal, Documentary Medal, Narrative Medal
SAA medals are a direct qualifying route for all three short categories. Animation/Alt-Experimental qualifies for Animated Short; Documentary/Alt-Experimental for Documentary Short; Narrative/Alt-Experimental for Live Action.
Venice International Film Festival
Qualifying awards: Orizzonti Award for Best Short Film
Qualifying award: Orizzonti Award for Best Short Film. Regular deadline Apr 29, late deadline May 28.
Toronto International Film Festival
Qualifying awards: Best International Short Film, Best Canadian Short Film
Two qualifying awards: Best International Short Film and Best Canadian Short Film.
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