SEASON 01 // 2026

AI SCREEN AWARDS

The world's premier competition celebrating visionary AI filmmakers, animators, and digital storytellers pushing the boundaries of cinema.

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ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

The Future of Cinema
Is Already Here

AI Screen Awards (AISA) is the definitive global competition recognizing extraordinary achievement in AI-assisted and AI-generated filmmaking, animation, and digital content creation.

We believe the next wave of cinematic storytelling is being shaped by creators who harness artificial intelligence not as a replacement for human vision, but as an amplifier of it. From feature-length narratives crafted with neural networks to vertical shorts that redefine mobile storytelling, AISA celebrates the convergence of technology and art.

Our competition spans traditional filmmaking enhanced by AI tools, fully AI-generated works, hybrid productions, digital content, and social media innovations -- recognizing that the boundaries between these forms are dissolving, and that's exactly where the magic happens.

AI-Native Categories

Purpose-built awards for AI filmmaking -- from vertical shorts to superintelligence narratives.

Global Reach

Open to filmmakers from every country. No borders in the digital frontier.

Academy-Aligned

Select categories follow Academy Award recognized standards for industry credibility.

Digital & Social

Recognizing the new wave of AI content across platforms, formats, and audiences.

AWARD CATEGORIES

60 Ways to
Win the Future

From pure AI cinema to hybrid masterpieces, from vertical shorts to feature-length epics.

01

Best Picture

Feature film or short film, any genre. The highest honor at AISA.

GRAND PRIZE
02

Best AI Film

Feature film or short film, any genre. Fully AI-generated or AI-driven production.

FLAGSHIP
03

Best AI Feature Film

Feature-length AI film demonstrating sustained narrative and technical excellence.

04

Best AI Short Film

Short-form AI filmmaking at its finest. Under 40 minutes.

05

Best AI Animation Short

AI-generated or AI-assisted animation pushing visual boundaries.

06

Best AI Vertical Short

Vertical format AI filmmaking for the mobile-first generation.

07

Best AI Vertical Series

Vertical series or pilot. Serialized storytelling in portrait format.

08

Best AI Vertical Documentary

Documentary content crafted for vertical viewing with AI tools.

09

Best Hybrid AI Film

Feature or short blending traditional filmmaking with AI. Any genre.

10

Best Hybrid AI Feature

Feature-length hybrid production merging live-action with AI elements.

11

Best Hybrid AI Short

Short-form hybrid filmmaking. The best of both worlds.

12

Best Music Video

AI-powered music videos redefining visual storytelling in music.

13

Best Film: AI Warfare

Feature or short exploring autonomous weapons, drone warfare, and AI military scenarios.

THEMATIC
14

Best Film: AI Singularity / Superintelligence

Films confronting the emergence of artificial general intelligence and beyond.

THEMATIC
15

Best Film: AI Universal Surveillance

Stories exploring AI-driven mass surveillance, privacy erosion, and digital control.

THEMATIC
16

Best Film: AI Addiction

Narratives about humanity's dependence on AI, algorithm addiction, and digital obsession.

THEMATIC
17

Best Film: Neural Interface

Films exploring brain-computer interfaces, neural chips, and the merging of mind and machine.

THEMATIC
18

Best Film: AI Ethics & Consciousness

Works grappling with machine sentience, AI rights, and the philosophical frontier.

THEMATIC
19

Best Narrative Feature

Live Action, Hybrid AI, or AI. Feature-length narrative excellence.

20

Best Documentary Feature

Live Action, Hybrid AI, or AI. Feature-length documentary storytelling.

21

Best Narrative Short

Live Action, Hybrid AI, or AI. Short-form narrative filmmaking.

22

Best International Feature

Outstanding feature film from outside the filmmaker's home country.

23

Best International Short

Short film excellence from the global community.

24

Best Live-Action/Hybrid AI Short

Academy Award recognized category. Live Action or Hybrid AI short film.

ACADEMY
25

Best Documentary Short Film

Academy Award recognized category. Live Action, Hybrid AI, or AI documentary short.

ACADEMY
26

Best Animated Short Film

Academy Award recognized category. Animated, CGI, or Hybrid AI short.

ACADEMY
27

Best Animated Feature

Feature-length animation showcasing AI-assisted or AI-generated artistry.

28

Best Web/TV Series

Series or pilot for web or television distribution.

29

Best AI Social Media Short

AI-crafted short-form content optimized for social platforms.

DIGITAL
30

Best AI Content Creator

Outstanding body of AI-generated content across digital platforms.

DIGITAL
31

Best AI Digital Campaign

AI-powered brand storytelling, viral campaigns, or digital marketing excellence.

DIGITAL
32

Best AI Interactive Experience

Interactive or immersive AI-generated content. AR, VR, or web-based.

DIGITAL
33

Best AI Digital Series

Serialized digital-first content across any platform.

DIGITAL
34

Best Game Video

AI-enhanced game cinematics, trailers, or machinima content.

DIGITAL
35

Best Student Narrative Film

Live Action, Hybrid AI, or AI. The next generation of narrative filmmakers.

STUDENT
36

Best Student Documentary Film

Live Action, Hybrid AI, or AI. Student-produced documentary work.

STUDENT
37

Best Student Animated Film

Student animation excellence in AI-assisted or AI-generated formats.

STUDENT
38

Best Student Director

Outstanding directorial vision from an emerging student filmmaker.

STUDENT
39

Best Student Story

Most compelling screenplay or story from a student creator.

STUDENT
40

Best Feature Director

Visionary direction of a feature-length work.

41

Best Short Director

Masterful direction in short-form filmmaking.

42

Best Cinematography

Visual excellence in lighting, composition, and camera work.

43

Best Editing

Outstanding assembly of footage, pacing, and narrative rhythm.

44

Best Art Direction

Exceptional visual world-building and production design.

45

Best Production

Overall production quality and execution excellence.

46

Best Sound

Sound design, mixing, and audio storytelling.

47

Best Costume Design

Character costuming -- physical, digital, or AI-generated.

48

Best Original Score

Original musical composition elevating the visual narrative.

49

Best Original Song

Outstanding original song written for a submitted film.

50

Best Story

Most compelling screenplay, teleplay, or story.

51

Best Original Musical

Outstanding original musical work in film format.

52

Best Horror

Terror, suspense, and dread -- amplified by AI.

53

Best Comedy

Humor and wit in AI-assisted filmmaking.

54

Best Thriller

Edge-of-your-seat tension and suspense.

55

Best Comical Short

Short-form comedy that proves AI has a sense of humor.

56

Best Experimental

Boundary-breaking work that defies categorization.

57

Best Actor

Outstanding male performance in a leading role.

58

Best Actress

Outstanding female performance in a leading role.

59

Best Supporting Actor

Outstanding male performance in a supporting role.

60

Best Supporting Actress

Outstanding female performance in a supporting role.

Honorable Mentions

Special recognition for works that push boundaries, inspire communities, or demonstrate exceptional promise.

SPECIAL
KEY DATES

The
Schedule

APRIL 1, 2026

Submissions Open

Early bird submissions begin. All categories open for entries.

MAY 15, 2026

Late Deadline

Final chance to submit your work before selections begin.

JUNE 1, 2026

Nominations & Festival

Nominees announced. Live-streamed global ceremony. Winners revealed.

SUBMIT YOUR WORK

Enter Your
Masterpiece

Submit your film through FilmFreeway -- the world's leading festival submission platform.

Official submission platform

OPENS April 1, 2026
LATE DEADLINE May 15, 2026
FESTIVAL June 1, 2026
Submit on FilmFreeway

Free and paid submission tiers available. Student discounts apply.

Submission Guidelines

  • Films must have been completed after January 1, 2025
  • All genres, styles, and AI tools accepted
  • No restrictions on runtime for feature categories
  • Shorts must be under 40 minutes
  • Vertical content: 9:16 aspect ratio required
  • English subtitles required for non-English films
  • Student films require valid student ID
  • Multiple category submissions allowed
  • AI tools/methods used must be disclosed

Stay in the Loop

Get notified when submissions open and ceremony dates are confirmed.