NY Shorts Awards is a bi-monthly online competition devoted to the promotion of indie shorts of all genres from all over the globe.

The festival team accepts a variety of genres in fiction, documentary, animation, experimental, etc. Our intention is to support indie cinema and short filmmakers in order create further publicity and exposure to independent filmmakers and artists.

The mission of New York Shorts Awards is to discover, support and develops new talent in filmmaking, providing a platform for emerging and established filmmakers from around the world.

We recognize the important role independent films have in the history of filmmaking, storytelling, and culture. Our team wants to help empower the next generation of artists and short filmmakers.

Awards & Prizes

Best Narrative Film
Best Documentary Film
Best Animation
Best Experimental
Best Student Film
Best Sci-Fi
Best Comedy
Best Web-series
Best Music Video
Best Script
Best Director
Best Producer
Best Cinematographer
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Indie Short
Best Human rights
Best Environmental
Best Female Director
Best First time filmmaker

Rules & Terms

International and American projects are qualified.
Premiere status is not required and films may be available online or distributed.
Projects must have been completed after 2020.
Entry fees are not refundable.
The festival will only communicate with the submitter of the project.

19 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ignacio Loera

    I’m really grateful to the New York Shorts Awards for recognizing Return: Saving Turtles with Best Environmental Short. It means a lot to see a project with such an important message receive this kind of support and visibility. The process was smooth and professional throughout also de communication, and overall it was a very positive experience.
    Thank you for valuing stories that focus on conservation.

    April 2026
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  • Mel Day

    Great experience! Thank you for nominating my experimental short, Painting Cathedral Rock. Even though I didn't win in the end, five stars all round! Especially appreciated the quality communication throughout.

    March 2026
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  • Dojong Kim

    It is a profound honor for The Sentinel as a Winner at the New York Shorts Awards. This festival is a true beacon of cinematic excellence, offering an impeccable platform that deeply respects the filmmaker’s vision. I am grateful for this prestigious accolade and the seamless, professional experience provided by the organizers. Thank you.

    March 2026
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  • Lauren Lorenzo

    Huge thank you for being chosen as a winner. We really appreciate this award and hope your festival success

    March 2026
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  • David Jones

    Thank you for choosing our film, Fretail as a nominee. Even though we didn’t win, the festival was a great experience!

    March 2026
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