The Hollywood AI Short Film Awards celebrates a new generation of storytellers using artificial intelligence to reimagine what’s possible on screen. From heartfelt narrative shorts to imaginative animations, branded storytelling, and music-driven visuals, this event honors the creative fusion of human emotion and machine innovation.

Official selections will screen live at AOM Creative Space in Los Angeles, California — a vibrant hub supporting emerging filmmakers, digital artists, and student creators.It'll be an evening of inspiration, connection, and cinematic discovery as we highlight the voices shaping the future of film.

Why Enter

Showcase your film in Los Angeles — the global center of storytelling and innovation.

Gain visibility among filmmakers, artists, and early adopters in the AI creative space.

Compete for over $1,500 in cash awards and official Hollywood-level laurels.

Be part of a growing movement that celebrates creativity beyond the algorithm.

Award Categories

1. Best AI Short Film (1–22 Minutes) $500
The top honor for the most outstanding short created or enhanced with AI — combining story, emotion, and innovation. The winner receives the Grand Prize and represents the festival’s overall best film.

2. Best AI Animation $250

Celebrating the best in animated storytelling, motion design, and visual world-building created with the aid of artificial intelligence.

3. Best AI Documentary / Nonfiction Short $250

Recognizing powerful, truth-driven storytelling that uses AI tools to explore real-life subjects, reconstruct memory, or reveal new perspectives.

4. Best Branded or Commercial Short $250

Honoring short-form creative campaigns, advertisements, or branded narratives that integrate AI to deliver bold, cinematic, and innovative messages.

5. Best AI Music Video $250

Spotlighting music-driven storytelling that merges sound, visuals, and AI-enhanced design to create an unforgettable artistic experience.

Add-On / Bonus Categories Add on this category in addition to your primary category for consideration:

1. Human + Machine Collaboration Award (Certificate of Excellence)

How it Works:
Highlights films that show a thoughtful, ethical, or emotionally resonant partnership between human creativity and AI assistance.

Description:

Celebrating harmony between human imagination and AI innovation. This award recognizes projects that reflect creative balance, intention, and artistry in how AI is used.

Emerging Creator Award (Certificate of Excellence) Add on this category in addition to your primary category for consideration:

This award honors students, first-time filmmakers, and rising storytellers who demonstrate exceptional promise in the art of AI-assisted filmmaking. The Emerging Creator Award celebrates bold voices experimenting with new tools, fresh ideas, and innovative storytelling techniques.

Whether it’s your first short film, a school project, or an independent experiment, this category recognizes creativity, originality, and the courage to explore the unknown.

***UPDATE***

Screening & Notifications will be held on Thursday, March 19th 2026.

ONLINE VIEWING WILL BE AVAILABLE

MORE DETAILS TO COME.

Eligibility

Open to filmmakers, artists, students, and creative teams worldwide.

Entries must include significant creative use of artificial intelligence — in concept, production, post-production, or design.

All films must have been completed after January 1, 2023.

Running time must not exceed 22 minutes (including credits).

English-language films are preferred; non-English films must include English subtitles.

All genres are welcome — narrative, animation, documentary, commercial, and music video.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions must be made through FilmFreeway only.

Multiple entries are allowed, but each must be submitted separately.

You may submit to multiple categories if applicable (e.g., Short + Music Video).

Entry fees are non-refundable, even if a film is withdrawn or not selected.

Rough cuts or works-in-progress are accepted if final versions will be ready before screening.

Selection & Screening

Official Selections will be announced via FilmFreeway and email.

Selected films will be screened live at AOM Creative Space in Los Angeles, CA on February 19, 2026.

If your film is selected, you must provide a high-quality digital file (MP4 or MOV, 1080p or higher).

The festival reserves the right to make necessary format adjustments for presentation.

All selected films grant the festival limited permission to use short clips or stills for promotional purposes.

Awards & Prizes

The Grand Prize Winner (Best AI Short Film) will receive $500 USD.

Each Category Winner (Animation, Documentary, Branded/Commercial, Music Video) will receive $250 USD.

Winners are chosen by an independent jury of filmmakers, artists, and educators.

Cash prizes will be distributed via PayPal, Zelle, or equivalent electronic transfer within 30 days of the awards ceremony.

The festival reserves the right to not award a category if entries do not meet minimum standards of quality.

Rights & Ownership

Entrants retain full ownership of their work.

By submitting, you grant the Hollywood AI Short Film Awards the right to screen your film publicly at the event and use up to 30 seconds of footage for promotional purposes.

The festival does not claim distribution rights or ongoing ownership of your material.

You affirm that you hold all necessary rights, licenses, and permissions for the content submitted, including music, visuals, and AI-generated materials.

General Terms

Entry into the festival constitutes acceptance of these rules and terms.

The festival reserves the right to modify these guidelines as needed to ensure fairness and clarity.

The organizers are not responsible for any claims, losses, or damages resulting from participation.

Judges’ decisions are final.

The Hollywood AI Short Film Awards encourages innovation, inclusivity, and responsible use of artificial intelligence in storytelling.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Bettina Enigl

    I didn't attend the ceremony, but I am honored that my film "Nine Lives" was a quarter-finalist in this festival.

    May 2026
  • Mike Stinnett

    This festival was exactly what I was looking for with my short film, Annie In Space. This kind of competition is perfect for motivating and encouraging indie filmmakers. Sorry I didn’t win, but so glad I participated. Thanks for the support. Keep up the good work.

    March 2026
  • Honored to have NEO DOKKEBIZ – Hmmm selected as a Quarter Finalist.
    Thank you for this wonderful experience. ✨

    March 2026
  • Enrico R. Famulari Valentino

    We are truly honored to have our film selected as a Quarter Finalist at the AI Hollywood Film Festival.
    Thank you for recognizing our work and for supporting emerging voices in AI-driven cinema.

    March 2026
  • Deeply honored that Hornless received the Best AI Documentary award at The Hollywood AI Short Film Awards. Grateful to see stories that give voice to the voiceless and raise awareness about wildlife and animal rights recognized on an international stage. Wishing the festival a strong and inspiring journey ahead in its inaugural year.

    March 2026