Posted by 
Independent Shorts Awards International Film Festival is thrilled to announce the Annual Finalists (Long List) for the 2026 Annual Awards.
This year, 120 projects have been selected from the pool of monthly finalists recognized throughout the qualifying annual cycle between July 2025 and July 2026—a total of 3,409 films from 73 countries. These Annual Finalists represent the top 3.52% of all submissions received during the cycle. The selected projects, representing 34 countries, reflect the remarkable diversity of voices, genres, and filmmaking styles celebrated throughout the festival’s international competition.
The 2026 long list brings together films previously presented and recognized at established international festivals—including Tribeca, SXSW, Sitges, DOC NYC, Cinequest, Aspen Shortsfest, Palm Springs International ShortFest, HollyShorts, and Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia—alongside emerging works and distinctive discoveries championed through Independent Shorts Awards’ monthly competitions.
This range of previous experience reflects the strength and diversity of the competitive field but does not determine advancement. All 120 Annual Finalists now enter a new jury review on equal terms, from which the official nominees will be selected—typically around 70 projects.
Annual Awards 2026: Finalists (Long List – A–Ma)
Annual Awards 2026: Finalists (Long List – Mo–Z)
The 8th Annual Independent Shorts Awards will take place on September 19, 2026, at Regal LA LIVE in downtown Los Angeles. The official screening lineup, event program, and Annual Awards nominees will be announced soon. Festival Passes are already on sale.
Independent Shorts Awards 2018-2026 © All Rights Reserved