The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards have announced the jury for their 2026 edition, made up of leading figures from the industry. The awards programme takes place at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City from 8 to 11 June 2026.
This year marks the fourth edition of the awards. The programme continues to spotlight rising talent, giving them creative momentum to take their careers further. Delivered by Creo in partnership with Sony, this short film programme celebrates the new voices reshaping cinema, while enabling them to build strong connections within the international film community. Shortlisted creators are invited to Los Angeles to take part in an exclusive industry programme, gaining unique behind-the-scenes access to the industry through carefully curated screenings and workshops. Bringing together insight, craft and community, it offers new storytellers a valuable means of advancing their careers on a global scale. The competition is free to enter and is accepting submissions until 16 December 2025.
The jury deciding this year’s winners is made up of four leading names from different corners of the industry: Golden Globe-nominated director and producer Will Gluck; President of Film and Television at Pascal Pictures and seasoned producer Rachel O’Connor; animation director Adam Rosette; and award-winning director Justin Chadwick, who chairs the jury for the fourth year running.
Jury Chair Justin Chadwick said: “Last year’s shortlist brought together 30 extraordinary filmmakers with distinctive voices and compelling stories. The participants were placed at the very centre of Los Angeles’ creative heart, and the programme offered unique access to how cinema is evolving in real time. This year, too, we have a strong jury. We are all looking forward to discovering films that push boundaries, create genuine emotion and transform the way audiences see the world. As we move into the 2026 edition, we can’t wait to find that originality and spark of vision that makes a good film extraordinary.”
This year’s finalists will be announced on 30 April 2026. They will then be hosted in Los Angeles for a special four-day programme from 8 to 11 June 2026. Led by Sony Pictures executives, the sessions focus on key areas of the industry, shedding light on everything from production and talent deals to the studio’s approach to film acquisition and the publicity process. They also cover animation techniques and the art of shaping story through sound. Through cutting-edge technology demonstrations, participants gain an important perspective on the future of the industry.
The programme enables finalists from around the world to connect with industry leaders, creating a valuable opportunity to become part of a strong international creative network. The event will close with a gala ceremony on 11 June 2026, at which the category winners will be announced and presented with cash prizes and Sony Digital Imaging equipment.
In the 2026 competition, filmmakers can submit short films in five categories: Fiction, Documentary, Animation, Student and Future Format. The Future Format category encourages entrants to explore bold and innovative forms of storytelling; this year, entrants are specifically asked for short films made in vertical format (9:16).
The Sustainability Award, launched by Creo and Sony, also returns this year. The award highlights short films that creatively address themes of the environment, accessibility, diversity, equity and inclusion, with the aim of giving visibility to stories that inspire collective action for the future of the planet.
For more information about the awards, visit sonyfuturefilmmakerawards.com.
