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Independent Shorts Awards International Film Festival is proud to announce the nominees for the 2026 Annual Awards.
Following an exceptionally competitive qualifying cycle, 71 films from 25 countries have advanced from the 120 Annual Finalists to receive nominations across the festival’s award categories. The nominees were selected from 3,409 submissions representing 73 countries, received throughout the annual qualifying cycle from July 2025 to July 2026.
This year’s nominations bring together an especially diverse international field, ranging from accomplished filmmakers and films already recognized on the international festival circuit to emerging voices and distinctive discoveries championed through Independent Shorts Awards’ monthly competitions.
Among the nominated works are films previously presented or recognized at festivals including Tribeca, SXSW, Sitges, DOC NYC, Cinequest, Aspen Shortsfest, Palm Springs International ShortFest, HollyShorts, and Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia, alongside projects making early steps on the festival circuit.
Across narrative, documentary, animation, experimental and genre filmmaking, the 2026 nominees reflect the breadth of contemporary independent short-form cinema represented throughout this year’s competition.
The winners will be revealed at the 8th Annual Independent Shorts Awards, taking place September 19, 2026, at Regal LA LIVE in downtown Los Angeles, as part of the festival’s Live Showcase, featuring screenings, industry activities, and awards presentations.
Explore the 2026 Annual Awards nominees:
Nominees by Category | All Nominees (A–M) | All Nominees (N–Z)
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