Bienvenue au principal festival de Cannes entièrement dédié au scénario
(Welcome to Cannes’ leading festival dedicated entirely to the screenplay)

Cannes is where the global film industry comes to trade, and Cannes Scripts is where the world’s best unproduced material gets noticed. We are the only festival in Cannes dedicated exclusively to screenwriting. While the rest of the city focuses on red carpets and finished films, we focus on the architecture of the industry: the script. Our objective is straightforward—to find market-ready stories and put them in front of the producers and directors who are actively looking for their next project. We have built a direct pipeline for writers who are serious about seeing their work move into production.

We believe that a submission fee should buy you more than just a chance at a trophy. Every script that reaches our Finalist or Winner stage receives a comprehensive 10-point professional analysis. This evaluation covers everything from concept and pacing to character arc and dialogue, giving you a clear benchmark of where your work stands in the current market. This is the kind of high-level feedback writers often pay hundreds of dollars for, and we provide it as a standard part of our selection process to ensure you walk away with actionable value.

The caliber of our community speaks for itself. We consistently see submissions from established industry figures, including Emmy-winning filmmakers like Michael Graf, Pulitzer Prize finalists like Bill Osinski, and writers recognized by the Academy Nicholl Fellowship like Crystal Diane Stevens and Tina Juárez. Our past winners and participants have seen their work optioned by Oscar-nominated directors or produced for international audiences, featuring talent like Linus Roache and Saffron Burrows. When you submit to Cannes Scripts, you aren't just entering a contest; you are measuring your work against the highest industry standards in the world's most important film city.

Position your script where the industry is already looking. Submit your project to Cannes Scripts and get the professional visibility your writing deserves.

Awards & Prizes

THE PREMIERE SCRIPT AWARD

The Premier Script Award is our highest honor, presented to the single most outstanding project across our three primary categories:
Best Feature Script
Best Short Script
Best Television Script (Pilot)

Winning this award is designed to be a catalyst for your career. The Premier Script Award Winner receives a $300 Industry Package tailored for market visibility and professional development. This includes:

TARGETED PROMOTION & FEATURE INTERVIEW: Ongoing promotion across our social media platforms and an exclusive spotlight interview on our website to showcase your portfolio to the industry.

PROFESSIONAL SCRIPT ANALYSIS:An in-depth, secondary evaluation of your winning script by a distinguished working screenwriter, providing high-level notes to prepare your project for pitching.

COMPLIMENTARY ACCESS: Free submissions to our upcoming festival seasons and exclusive opportunities with our partner networks.

EVALUATION STATUS & BENEFITS
We maintain a strict scoring system to ensure prestige and quality control across all selections:

AWARD WINNER (SCORE 7.5+): Your screenplay demonstrated outstanding quality, originality, and structure, winning its submitted category. You will receive an official diploma, the winner's laurel, and our comprehensive 10-point professional analysis.

FINALIST (SCORE UP TO 7.4): While it did not secure the top prize, your script is highly regarded by our jury and marks you as a writer to watch. You will receive an official diploma, the finalist's laurel, and our comprehensive 10-point professional analysis.

Rules & Terms

1. Judges, festival team members, sponsors, their affiliates, and immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the competition.

2. All screenplay submissions must be in English.

3. Once a screenplay is submitted, no substitutions or revised drafts will be accepted. If you wish to submit a revised version, please make a new entry.

4. For online submissions, you must list all contributing writers on the entry form. Including “Written by” credits on the script file is optional. Submitting online confirms that all listed writers have authorized the submission. If multiple writers are involved, all cash prizes and awards will be given to the person who submitted the entry, who will be responsible for distribution among the co-authors.

5. We only accept screenplays in the following file formats: PDF, Microsoft Word.

6. Entrants retain full ownership rights to their scripts.

7. Submissions must be received by the specified entry deadline.

8. Your screenplay will not be shared outside the competition without your prior permission.

9. By entering, you affirm that your screenplay is original and does not infringe on any third-party rights.

10. Entry fees are non-refundable.

11. Entrants may choose to include author and/or contact information on the cover page of their submissions, but it is not required.

12. The decisions made by the judges are final.

13. The festival reserves the right to alter event dates, awards, and categories, or to cancel or reschedule them. All changes will be communicated via email and our online platforms.

14. By submitting, you agree to the festival’s terms and conditions, and consent to receive marketing newsletters and offers related to film and screenplay festivals. Your information will not be sold to third parties.

15. The festival organizers may use publicly available photos, promotional materials, and information about submitters/writers/directors for educational, promotional, or commercial purposes.

Please ensure you fully understand and agree to these rules and terms before submitting your screenplay to the Cannes Script Festival. Your submission constitutes acceptance of these conditions.
59 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Robert Godwin

    Proud to be a finalist in the festival.

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Congratulations on your Finalist status! We are absolutely thrilled to recognize your talent at the Cannes Script Festival. Keep up the fantastic work, and we look forward to reading your future submissions!

  • Atty Coll

    I am so proud and honored to be a Finalist in the Cannes Festival! To be recognized and acknowledged by such an important and honorable group is a real feather in my cap. I am so grateful to be in this space at this moment!

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your kind words! We are absolutely thrilled to recognize your talent and have your project as a Finalist at the Cannes Script Festival. Our selection committee was highly impressed by your work. Wishing you continued success in your screenwriting journey, and we hope to see more of your scripts in our future editions!

  • Michiro Naito

    I am happy that my feature-length script has achieved a Finalist status at the Cannes Script Festival. This is a mystery story involving Gen-Z girls in Japan, and I am sure it will appeal to a wide range of audiences.

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for sharing your success! Our selection committee was truly captivated by your premise—blending a mystery narrative with the dynamic world of Gen-Z in Japan is exactly the kind of fresh, global storytelling the Cannes Script Festival seeks to highlight. Congratulations on your well-deserved Finalist status. We are excited to see where this project goes and look forward to reading your future submissions!"

  • matt hausmann

    What an amazing festival with excellent people running it! Very exciting to have 2 scripts in the finals with another one that won an award! Highly recommend this festival. Submit now.

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the phenomenal review and your strong recommendation! Having three scripts recognized—including an award win—is a testament to your incredible writing consistency and talent. The selection committee at the Cannes Script Festival was truly honored to review your portfolio. We are thrilled to champion your work and can't wait to see what you create next!

  • Patricia Marshall

    Thank you so much to the judges and organizers of the Cannes Script Festival. I am honored to have my project selected as an award winner. It is both encouraging and validating to have my work seen in this way.

    March 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the wonderful feedback! Our selection committee at the Cannes Script Festival was thoroughly impressed by your project. Earning an award is a true testament to your talent and dedication to the craft. We are incredibly honored to validate and be a part of your screenwriting journey. Keep up the excellent work, and we look forward to reading your future submissions!