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.
78 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • frank mack

    I am honored that The Boat Race was selected as a finalist for this wonderful festival. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of my work.

    July 2026
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  • Fernando Gracia Ortuño

    Reaching the Finals of the Cannes Script Festival with Hostages of the Abyss was a meaningful recognition. The process was clear and well-communicated throughout, and being selected among the finalists from a large international pool of submissions was genuinely encouraging. A solid platform for independent screenwriters looking for international exposure.

    July 2026
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  • Ivy Guerrero

    I'm incredibly grateful for my experience with the Cannes Script Festival. Being recognized as a Finalist was both exciting and encouraging as an emerging screenwriter. The festival was organized, communicated well throughout the competition, and made the experience feel rewarding from start to finish. I truly appreciate the opportunity and would happily submit future projects.

    July 2026
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  • Lafayette Calhoun

    It is a great honor to have been chosen as a Spring 2026 Award Winner for my script "Land of Opportunity". The experience has been memorable. I encourage bothers to submit.

    July 2026
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  • Davi Kinski

    It is a tremendous joy to see *Corações em Transe* recognized as a finalist at the Cannes Screenplay Festival.

    Many thanks to the team and the jury for their sensitive reading and for recognizing this screenplay, which holds deep personal, political, and emotional significance.

    It is an honor to see this project gaining international traction and being developed within an LGBTQ+ category.

    Deep gratitude for this achievement and for the support of independent cinema.

    July 2026
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