MISSION & OBJECTIVE
The Los Angeles Movie Awards' mission is to celebrate the independent motion picture and literary arts by providing a platform for filmmakers and writers to have their work awarded and screened.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Welcome to the 2026 Los Angeles Movie Awards. The LAMA offers more than just a handful of award possibilities. We pride ourselves in providing a wide variety of award opportunities between our 10 categories. Not only will filmmakers have a higher chance of landing an award, they also will not be at risk of jeopardizing their world premiere status with other festivals. Films that are selected to screen with us will have the opportunity to opt out of their screening while still maintaining their award/s if there is a conflict with another festival or event. At that point, the next runner up will move in to the screening spot. “Best” films of each category will be guaranteed a screening spot,and will have the opportunity to win our Audience Choice Award. Official selections and honorable mentions will also have the opportunity to win the Audience Choice Award. All winners will receive official LAMA award certificates.

Audience Award
Best Narrative Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Doc Feature
Best Doc Short
Best Animation
Best Music Video
Best Student Film
Best Experimental
Best International
Best Script
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Original Score
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Editing
Best Production Design
Best Costume Design
Honorable Mentions

-You may have multiple entries and submit to multiple categories.
-Each entry and submission category must have its on submission fee.
-Submission in other than English must have subtitles
-Works in progress are accepted
-If Mailing a DVD: please label your disc with: Title, Director, Submission Categories, Runtime and email address.
-Press kits are not required initially
-We do not confirm receipt by telephone or email. Please include a self-addressed stamped postcard with each entry if you want confirmation of receipt.
-Entry fees are non-refundable.
-Entries will not be returned.
-Films, videos and scripts can be from any year
-Entry Fees are in $USD

The Los Angeles Movie Awards is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The Competition reserves the right to refuse entries. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Los Angeles Movie 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, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered. Entries will not be returned.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Torsten Lang

    This was great fun.... also as a filmmaker - it is a honor to see your own film screened with so much other great art. Thank you!

    June 2026
  • Franco Ceredi

    Winning at the Los Angeles Movie Awards is a meaningful recognition for my work as an independent filmmaker.
    This festival celebrates originality, personal vision and the courage to create outside traditional industry structures.
    Receiving this award in Los Angeles — the heart of cinema — confirms that even a DIY film, made with passion, spontaneity and an amateur cast, can resonate with an international jury.
    I’m proud of this achievement and grateful to everyone who contributed to the project.
    This recognition gives me new energy as I move toward my next film.

    June 2026
  • Leiter Daniellson

    Thanks for the recognition! Well worth it!

    January 2026
  • Stéphanie Cousté

    🎖️ A truly well-organized festival, marked by humanity and a deep respect for writers and their work. ✒️
    Thank you for the time and attention given to my screenplay, as well as for this beautiful recognition it received. It is an honor that my story resonated with you. 🙏

    January 2026
  • Barry Rosenthal

    Great festival, well run, lovely people to work with

    September 2025