Chicago Cinema Awards is an IMDb qualfying international monthly film festival for filmmakers. Our mission is to celebrate filmmakers from all over the world. The Chicago Cinema Awards is all about encouraging filmmakers to educate and inspire through filmmaking.

Awards & Prizes

CATEGORIES
Best Narrative Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short
Best Animation Feature
Best Animation Short
Best Drama
Best Comedy
Best Horror
Best Action
Best Thriller
Best Experimental
Best Sci-Fi
Best Romance
Best Student Film
Best Music Video
Best Director
Best 1st time Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Ensemble
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Score
Best Costumes
Best Production Design
Best Trailer
Best Music Video

Our jury will award the best films through private screenings.

* All winners will receive our official laurel leaves.
* All winners will receive a free print ready certificate (PDF/JPG file) via email.
* Winners can order statuettes for your team members for the cost of production and shipping.

Rules & Terms

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: All films are accepted as long as they fall in one of our official categories. We accept films of any genres, length and language. Non-English films must have English subtitles.

BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR PROJECT PLEASE READ ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS:

1. Chicago Cinema Awards is hereby granted the rights to utilize an excerpt/parts of your film/project (including trailer/teaser/film/poster/stills) submitted for promotional purposes.
2. Entry fees are non-refundable.
3. Multiple entries are allowed for each filmmaker and each entry may enter into multiple categories.
4. If we think the categories submitted are not to the standard of the Chicago Cinema Awards win, they will be removed. If you submit your film to the category, Best 1st time Director, it must be your first or second time directing a film (any kind of film), otherwise your film will be disqualified from that category. Trophies are optional, winners may order a trophy by paying production and shipping costs. The Competition reserves the right to refuse entries and the jury can remove a movie from the competition at anytime.
5. The films will not be available online.
6. The individual or company submitting the film/project hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for possible screening (private and/or public) and understands and accepts these requirements, rules and regulations. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Chicago Cinema Awards from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity. By submitting your film, you acknowledge you have read, understood and accepted all rules and regulations.

33 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Beth Hinde

    Thank you so much for selecting my film 'The Kids' Table' to your awesome film festival. I was so pleased when I got the news!

    March 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Congratulations Beth!

  • antonio sciortino

    Participating in the Chicago Cinema Awards was an exhilarating and memorable experience for us. Our film,MAILBOX , was met with warm reception and appreciation from the audience. It was truly gratifying to see our hard work and dedication pay off as our creation was showcased on the big screen. The opportunity to witness our film alongside other outstanding works from across the globe was both humbling and inspiring.
    we are immensely grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the Chicago Cinema Awards. It was an honor to showcase our film alongside such talented individuals and to be a part of a community that celebrates the magic of cinema. We look forward to future opportunities to share our work and contribute to the rich tapestry of storytelling in the world of film.

    March 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Congratulations on the well deserved wins Antonio! Thank you for the kind words and wonderful review!

  • Brent Heise

    Thank you to Chicago Cinema Awards for giving The Girl Who Faded Away a Best Romance Winner designation. I am honored and highly recommend this festival.

    March 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Brent! We can't wait to see what's next for you!

  • Adam Joel

    WARNING: There's no film screening, no perks, and no career opportunities. Ultimately they're selling you a chance at a jpg. As much as I appreciate winning, I should have read closer to realize there's no actual film festival or event of any kind. No screening, no reaching a broader audience, no networking or career opportunities, and no reviews or feedback on the film. They collect a lot of money considering they have nothing to offer in return except a jpg of laurels and a jpg of a certificate. They even charge $135 extra to make you order your own trophy. Where does our money go? In my opinion, filmmakers deserve more.

    February 2024
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    Response from festival:

    We are very sorry to hear that you do not find value in our online festival. We do appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. We wish you success with your future filmmaking journey Adam.

  • Original Cinematic

    Wonderful and accommodating film festival! Incredible communication and kindness. We’re deeply appreciative of their recognition of “Group”!

    February 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Many thanks William! We look forward to seeing your next film!