Lights. Camera. Celebration!
Step into the spotlight at the West Coast Film Awards, where the magic of independent filmmaking comes alive. This prestigious event showcases groundbreaking stories through curated screenings, brings creators and visionaries together for an unforgettable networking experience within the regal lobby of the Grand Cinema, memorabilia to take home through purchase or raffle winnings, professional red carpet photo opportunities, and it all culminates in an awards ceremony honoring the brightest voices in film.

From international gems to American indie treasures, the West Coast Film Awards celebrates creativity without boundaries. Our mission? To unite the best dreamers, risk-takers, and storytellers for an evening of red-carpet glamour, cinematic brilliance, and moments you’ll never forget.

Submit your masterpiece today or secure your seat for an extraordinary night at the movies. We’ll see you on the big screen!

Awards & Prizes

Award certificates will be handed out for the following categories:

🎥 Best Short Film
🎥 Best Feature Film
🎥 Best Animation
🎥 Best Action
🎥 Best Documentary
🎥 Best Science- Fiction
🎥 Best Drama
🎥 Best Horror
🎥 Best Comedy
🎥 Best Cinematography
🎥 Best Trailer
🎥 Judge's Choice Best of the Fest
🎥 Audience's Choice Best of the Fest

📝 Best Feature Screenplay
📝 Best Short Screenplay
📝 Best Drama
📝 Best Horror
📝 Best Comedy
📝 Best Science-Fiction

Rules & Terms

THE WEST COAST FILM AWARDS SUBMISSION RULES & TERMS

1. Submission categories are open to the United States as well as international entries. Everyone is welcome!

2. We are currently only accepting submissions through FilmFreeway. All entries must have an online screener. NO WAIVERS will be handed out. Follow along on social media for discounted submission codes.

3. Foreign language entries must have English subtitles, but are more than welcome!

4. Applicants may submit as many entries as they wish, as long as each submission has a separate entry form and fee.

5. Entries must include contact information, with both an email address and phone number if possible.

6. Please make sure each project has the complete cast and crew listing (in case your project wins a certificate in specialized categories.)

7. You agree that you own the necessary rights to any and all materials featured within your project.

8. Submission fees are not refundable.

9. You do not hold The West Coast Film Awards, the owners of the theater, or any other staff, judges or personnel associated with the festival, responsible for any claims of liability, losses, copyright infringement, trademarks, or credits resulting from your entry.

10. You give full permission to the festival to use still, trailers, titles, and/or other information from your film for promotional purposes online via social media.
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Kendra Strahm

    I was unable to attend this festival in person but they were so communicative with the inclusion of our film in their festival. We are honored to receive the best short film award for 2026!

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Mike Ede

    A great fest with passionate people behind it! Will be back for sure, but this time in person. Thank you again for the great communication throughout and honestly some of the best feedback I've received to date on my winning project.

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Mike for the awesome review! Heading Into Extras is a great read for any rom-com or sports fan. You're a very talented writer and we look forward to whatever wild story you come up with next. ⚾️

  • J.Lee Vertz

    It was a delight be a part of this festival in its first year. It was well organized, with a solid lineup of films. They had a photographer for the red carpet, a lounge area outside the theater for mingling, and an awards ceremony. The festival directors are cool people, and true advocates of independent filmmaking. Honored to have our film S86 selected and win two awards for Best Feature and Audience Choice. I highly recommend submitting and attending, and look forward to seeing what the future holds for this festival!

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your kind words and support. Creating a space that celebrates independent filmmaking, storytelling, and connection is exactly what we hoped for, so your words truly mean a lot.

    It was an honor to have S86 as part of our very first year and we were thrilled to present it with both Best Feature and Audience Choice. We’re excited for what’s ahead and hope to welcome you back in the future.

  • Michael Rognlie

    This is a very well run festival, with excellent communication from the festival directors. They had a red carpet event with great networking opportunities. It was an honor to have my film "Dotted Line" screen, and receive an award for best horror. I definitely recommend submitting your latest film to this festival! A+++

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the kind words Michael! Dotted Line was a perfect fit for the horror section of the red carpet ceremony. So glad you and your team were able to attend in person and we truly hope to see you at our 2nd Ceremony.

  • Jesse Womack

    Thanks for selecting The Litterbug and awarding it for Best Comedy! I unfortunately wasn’t able to attend, but the communication was great. I’ve attended their sister festival before though, and that was an amazing time! I’m sure this one is the same, so please submit to them!

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the amazing review and for letting us showcase The Litterbug. Laughs held up even out of The Basement. You're a great storyteller and we honestly can't wait to see what you come up with next.