The Comedy Shorts Awards celebrates and showcases the best of comedy filmmaking in the UK and across the world.

Please submit comedy short films of any sub-genre or format!

As well as traditional comedies we'd love to see experimental, dark comedy, animated and student films.

The Comedy Shorts Awards believe comedy should be honoured as much as any other genre. See the the full list of awards that we will present at the event.

We had our screening and awards event last year at the incredible venue The Courthouse Hotel in Central London, UK.

Please contact us via email at:

contact@comedyshortsawards.com

“Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot.” - Charlie Chaplin

Awards & Prizes

At this year's Comedy Shorts Awards:

- All winners will receive a physical trophy at the 2024 awards event
- After submissions close, longlists for each award will be announced
- Nominees will then be notified and selected from the longlists

By submitting your short film you will be considered to the following categories:

- Best Film
- Best British Film
- Best International Film
- Best Experimental Film
- Best Dark Comedy Film
- Best Animated Film
- Best Student Film
- Best Music Video
- Best Sketch
- Best Short Short Film (under 3 minutes)

- Best Director
- Best Writer
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Best Cinematography

- Best Sound
- Best Music
- Best Hair and Make Up
- Best Production Design
- Best Editing

Please not for the "Best Student Film" if selected for the longlist you will be asked to prove that the majority of your principal crew members were full time students at the time of your films production.

There will also be Honourary Awards given out each year at the discretion of Comedy Shorts Awards that will be revealed on the night of the awards.

Rules & Terms

To be eligible, short films must be 40 minutes or under, excluding credits.

Best Short Short Film award is given to a film under 3 minutes in runtime.

Submitters agree to have short clips and frames of their films used on Comedy Shorts Awards website and for promotional material.

Only films completed on, or after, January 1st 2023 are eligible for submission.

No submitter information will be shared or sold to third parties, but may be shared with official brand sponsors and partners.

Submissions will be accepted via FilmFreeway only. Entry fees are nonrefundable.
All judging and jury decisions are final.

Comedy Shorts Awards reserves the right to enter films into alternate or multiple categories at their discretion.

All rights, clearances and permissions must be obtained prior to submission and applicants must ensure that they have the right to submit the work with regard to third parties connected to the production of the film in question. By entering your work you agree to this and the responsibilities involved. The Comedy Shorts Awards assumes no responsibility for violation of copyright law.

Please note that submission fees will not be refunded if your film does not meet these conditions and Comedy Shorts Awards reserve the right to disqualify any submissions that don’t adhere to the above terms.

Please not that the event we will be screening a selection of nominees short films, but not all of them. Additionally, it does not mean that if your film is not screen it will not win an award.

Upon submission of your project, you agree to allow your contact details to be shared and handled by Comedy Shorts Awards, its partners and its sister film festivals. Additionally, you give permission to NFF to handle your personal details and share them with its partners, which include charities, organisations, companies and partner festivals that assistant in the production of Comedy Shorts Awards and its events.

We look forward to watching your films!

14 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Paddy Thunder

    This is a fantastic new comedy festival. Would recommend to any filmmakers!

    April 2024
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  • Flicker Mill

    The Comedy Shorts Awards was a great evening of laughter and entertainment, showcasing a diverse range of comedic films. After the film screening, attendees had the opportunity to network with fellow filmmakers at a party close to the screening venue. The entire evening was impeccably organized and structured, demonstrating a commitment to supporting filmmakers. The festival prioritizes environmental sustainability, evident in its commitment to eco-friendly film award trophies which were handed out on the evening.

    With a sold-out screening in central London, this really is a festival worth submitting to.

    February 2024
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  • Alice Worthington

    It was so fun to be a part of this festival. The screening was hilarious and wonderfully off-beat. Also a lovely venue and great to meet the other filmmakers and friendly hosts. The festival was very well organised and a great evening. Thank you for including my film!

    February 2024
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  • Luke Frangeskou

    Thank you very much Comedy Shorts Awards for selecting CHEF GUSTAV! We had an amazing time watching the fantastic selection of short films, all of which were as funny as the last! All the best!

    February 2024
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  • Thomas Laurance

    It was such a wonderful evening. The whole event was so well organised. The festival representatives were fantastic hosts. The programme of shorts was as eclectic as it was hilarious. And the party was the ideal situation to meet other filmmakers and make new friends. Cant wait for next year.

    February 2024
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