Noun. metamorph (plural metamorphs) (biology) an organism that has undergone metamorphosis.

Welcome to the MetaMorph Award 2026, a celebration of the beautiful merging of AI technology and traditional film & music creation. Just as a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, the creative industry is evolving, and we are here to showcase this metamorphosis.

We will bring together filmmakers, animators, AI technologists, and music creators to celebrate their collective achievements and inspire future collaborations. The MetaMorph Award will be a beacon of innovation, creativity, and artistic excellence.

Awards & Prizes

2026 JUDGES (Announced throughout the year)

- John Rhys-Davies (Confirmed for 2026) - A renowned actor known for his roles in iconic films such as "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "Indiana Jones". John brings his extensive acting experience and deep understanding of storytelling to our judging panel.

- Cassandra Brooksbank (Confirmed for 2026) - A dynamic director known for her compelling storytelling and innovative direction. Cassandra’s experience in directing both films and commercials brings a fresh and creative perspective to our panel.

- Ruby Griffiths (Confirmed 2026) - Our co-founder Ruby’s journey through global film production infuses MetaMorph with an authenticity that only experience can bring. With degrees in psychology and neuroscience, she brings experience in what moves audiences and has a special understanding of mental health.

- Rocky Mudaliar (Confirmed for 2026) - As co-founder of Stage Zero, Rocky is at the forefront of discovering and developing emerging creative talent at the intersection of music and technology. His career spans artist development, production, and next-gen music partnerships. Rocky’s insights into artist-brand synergy and platform potential make him an ideal judge for creators discovering the future of musical boundaries with AI.

- Timbaland (Confirmed for 2026)- A Grammy-winning producer and cultural icon, Timbaland has shaped the sound of modern music for over two decades. His incredible production has powered chart-topping hits across genres and redefined what rhythm can do. As a judge in the Music category, he brings an unmatched ear for innovation and a visionary perspective on how technology and artistry can collide to create timeless sound.

- Zayd Portillo (Confirmed for 2026) - Zayd is the other co-founder of Stage Zero and a multidisciplinary creative force blending music, fashion, and futurism. Known for championing bold aesthetics and experimental sound, he brings a deep understanding of cultural trends and youth-driven expression. Zayd joins our Music judging panel to spotlight artists using AI to tell stories that move, challenge, and resonate.

- Barry H. Waldman (TBC for 2026) - An accomplished producer with a prolific career in film production. Barry has worked on major blockbusters like "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Transformers", and his keen eye for production quality and innovation will be invaluable.

- David Nutter (TBC) - An Emmy-winning director celebrated for his work on acclaimed television series such as "Game of Thrones" and "The X-Files". David’s directorial expertise and visionary approach will greatly enrich our evaluation process.

Rules & Terms

MetaMorph Award 2026 – Rules and Regulations

Submissions must fall into one of the following categories:
- Short to Standard Length: 5 seconds to 20 minutes.
- Long Form Film Category: 20+ minutes.

All entries must be original works that include at least 50% of content created or significantly assisted by AI technology. Real footage is permitted when integrated meaningfully with AI-generated elements.

Participants must be the rightful creators or authorised users of all content in their submission, including music, visuals, voiceovers, and scripts.

Submission Requirements
A brief description (150–300 words) must accompany each submission, outlining:
- AI tools and techniques used
- Percentage and type of AI-generated vs. human-generated content

Creative intent and workflow
Films must be submitted in a high-quality digital format. Technical specifications will be provided on the submission portal.

Content Restrictions
Submissions must not contain:
- Plagiarised or unlicensed materials
- Hate speech, discriminatory content, or gratuitously violent or explicit material
- Any content that infringes on the rights (copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity) of others
- All third-party content must be properly credited, with proof of usage rights upon request.

Copyright and Permissions
By submitting a film, participants affirm they own or have secured rights to all content used.

Use of third-party music, footage, models, datasets, or libraries must be clearly documented.

Breaches of copyright, or failure to provide documentation upon request, will lead to immediate disqualification.

AI Usage Requirements
At least 50% of the film’s creative process must involve AI-assisted tools or outputs, including but not limited to:
- Generative video or image models
- AI voice synthesis
- AI-driven animation, music composition, scripting, or editing
- Transparency in AI usage is valued; a creative breakdown helps judges assess innovation.

Disqualification
Submissions may be disqualified for:
- Failure to comply with the rules
- Providing false or misleading information
- Use of offensive or infringing content
- Inadequate documentation of rights or AI usage if requested

Judging Criteria
Submissions will be judged on:
- Creativity and originality
- Integration of AI technologies
- Narrative or artistic impact
- Technical execution
- Transparency of process and ethical use of AI

Use of Submissions
By entering the competition, participants:
Grant MetaMorph Award 2026 the right to use submitted films for promotional, marketing, educational, and archival purposes, as well as allow MetaMorph to showcase winning films during the Award Ceremony. We also work in partnership with additional collaborators and AI Film Showcases, plus with AI Summits, and your submitted work may be shortlisted to these during the period before the award.

Agree to have excerpts, stills, or behind-the-scenes content shared publicly in relation to the award.

The submitter will retain full copyright of their work, with proper attribution given in all MetaMorph uses.

General Conditions
- MetaMorph Award 2026 reserves the right to modify or update these rules at any time.
- Participation implies acceptance of all rules and conditions.
- Please note that due to the nature of the screening time we may need to ask for trailers for winning films over 10 minutes to be able to showcase them at the awards ceremony.
- You will be added to our newsletter once signing up, please reach out to us if you wish to be removed.

7 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Pancho González

    Even for been our first time entering, we loved the competition, see you next year!

    July 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear Pancho, thank you for your kind words! We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming awards.

  • TCR Davies

    Fantastic festival with a fabulous team!

    July 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much!!

  • Mark Wachholz

    This is a great new festival for AI films, featuring some Hollywood heavyweights on the jury and a wonderful team of organizers. I was fortunate enough to have my AI concept trailer, "Copernicus," be the runner-up in the AI Trailer category. Looking at the beautiful physical award in its elegant black satin box shows how much the team cares about making this festival a unique experience for filmmakers. I'm looking forward to the next round!

    July 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear Mark, we feel really honoured to read your incredible comments and are so pleased you loved the award. Thank you for your amazing work!

  • Mehdi Saqi

    I’m more than honored to have won at the Metamorph AI Film Awards and to be recognized by such a prestigious jury.
    Metamorph stands out as one of the best experiences I've had, with a great care in how they support and celebrate the artists. Their presence on social media is generous outstanding, creating real visibility for the community.
    I’m truly looking forward to being there in person next year.

    July 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear Mehdi, what a wonderful review to read. We cannot wait to meet you in person next year!!

  • Dennis Mohr

    Honored to have been a finalist at The Metamorph AI Awards!
    Being recognized by one of the most forward-thinking festivals in the world of AI-driven storytelling was a true highlight. The Metamorph AI Awards celebrate bold, imaginative work at the intersection of technology and art—and I’m proud my film was included among such groundbreaking voices. Grateful to the organizers, jurors, and fellow creators for an unforgettable experience. The future of cinema is here, and it’s wildly inspiring.

    July 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear Dennis, such a pleasure to receive these words. Thank you!!