Welcome to The Little Penguin Awards! We are an online film festival with a focus on celebrating animation, children's films, family friendly films, comedies, coming of age stories, and any other uplifting, positive, and/or inspiring content. Other genres are welcome to submit as well in their respective categories. We welcome submissions of short films, feature length films, student films, TV pilots, web series, documentaries, music videos, experiemental films, and screenplays.

All submissions will be considered for all eligible awards with just one submission fee.

AWARDS:

Best Animated Short
Best Animated Feature
Best Adult Animation
Best Stop Motion
Best Claymation
Best Comedy Short
Best Comedy Feature
Best Coming of Age Film
Best Drama
Best Horror/Thriller
Best Musical
Best Adventure/Fantasy
Best Romantic Comedy
Best Children’s Film
Best Educational Film
Best Music Video
Best Documentary
Best Web Series
Best TV Pilot
Best Student Film
Best Experimental Film
Best Director
Best Editing
Best Production Design
Best Music/Composing
Best Cinematography
Best Lead Actor/Actress
Best Supporting Actor/Actress
Best Child Actor/Actress
Best Cast Ensemble
Best Story
Best Screenplay

All official selection recipients will receive an official Little Penguin Awards laurel and a custom official selection certificate.

All award winners will receive an official Little Penguin Awards laurel and a custom award certificate.

All award winners will be featured on the Little Penguin Awards Instagram page and website. Some official selection recipients may be featured as well.

All submissions must be in English or have English subtitles.

Submissions must be made via Film Freeway.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ali Stiefel

    This was such a cool little festival. I was really happy that my show had the privilege of being a part of it! Will definitely re-submit when I have new work!

    January 2026
  • Les Lahage

    So happy to be a part of your festival and honored for selecting Barry & Madison as the winner for best screenplay.

    December 2025