The New Jersey Film Awards is a monthly film and screenplay competition and a platform to showcase the work of independent filmmakers worldwide.

Each month, our festival committee will award the best films in various categories.

The New Jersey Film Awards is a competition for both experienced and emerging filmmakers. However, simply submitting a film or screenplay for consideration will not in and of itself guarantee a nomination or award. Do submit your film knowing your work will be viewed in its entirety and considered fully.

Best Feature Film
Best Documentary Feature
Best Actor in a Feature
Best Actress in a Feature
Best Supporting Actor in a Feature
Best Supporting Actress in a Feature
Best Director of a Feature
Best Short Film
Best Drama Short
Best Comedy Short
Best Horror Short
Best Thriller Short
Best Sci-Fi Short
Best LGBT Short
Best Animation Short
Best Experimental Short
Best Inspirational Short
Best Documentary Short
Best International Short
Best New Jersey Short
Best Microshort
Best Mobile Short
Best College Short
Best High School Short
Best Web Series/TV Pilot
Best Music Video
Best AI Short
Best Trailer
Best Movie Poster
Best Actor in a Short
Best Actress in a Short
Best Ensemble
Best Young Actor
Best Director
Best First-Time Filmmaker
Best Female Filmmaker
Best Young Filmmaker
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Visual Effects
Best Special Effects Makeup
Best Sound Design
Best Original Score
Best Short Screenplay
Best Feature Screenplay

By submitting your film to the New Jersey Film Awards the individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it understands and accepts these requirements, rules and regulations:

- We accept short and feature films that are fiction, non-fiction, experimental, animated, music videos, and web series/TV pilots.
- We do not accept pornography.
- Films completed on or after Jan 1, 2015 are eligible for consideration.
- We accept feature and short screenplays.
- You may have multiple entries and submit to multiple categories.
- Each entry and submission category must have its own submission fee.
- Entry fees are non-refundable.
- All international films must include English subtitles.
- Screenplays must be in English.
- Entrants confirm and warrant required legal authority to submit the entry to the festival and to use all music, images, and content in the entry.

All films and screenplays submitted are reviewed by the New Jersey Film Awards screening committee via private screening. If a film is selected to receive an award, the festival will contact the entrant by email.

The New Jersey Film Movie Awards is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition on our site for promotional purposes. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for review, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The Competition reserves the right to refuse entries. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless New Jersey Film 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.

*We reserve the right to change the award categories at any time depending on the films submitted during a given month. We also reserve the right to change the category of a film submission or enter a film into additional categories if our screening committee deems it appropriate.

**Please include the actor, actress, or crew member names associated with each category submission in your cover letter. This helps ensure that all information published on our website and social media channels is accurate. Please note that once social media posts and awards videos are published, they cannot be edited.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Wonderful..! as First Time Female Director, an award from New Jersey Film Awards is very special... Thank you !

    June 2026
  • Franco Ceredi

    The New Jersey Film Awards has been one of the most rewarding and uplifting festival experiences of my entire career.
    Receiving multiple awards for Call Me Joe — including Best Director and Best Leading Actor — was an incredible honour and a moment I will never forget.
    The communication was warm, professional, and genuinely supportive.
    You can feel that this festival truly cares about independent filmmakers and celebrates their work with passion and authenticity.
    The visibility they give to the selected films is remarkable, and the way they highlight each winner makes you feel valued and appreciated.
    As a director, I felt seen, respected, and encouraged — and that is priceless.
    I wholeheartedly recommend the New Jersey Film Awards to any filmmaker looking for a festival that combines professionalism, heart, and a sincere love for cinema.
    Thank you for this unforgettable recognition.

    — Franco Ceredi
    Director of Call Me Joe
    Italy

    May 2026
  • Juan Luis De Filpo

    We are truly honored that Perplejidad resonated with your jury and audience. This project was created with deep intention and collaboration, and knowing that it connected with others is incredibly rewarding.
    Our gratitude goes to the festival for supporting independent voices, and to our team, whose dedication and artistry shaped every moment of this film. We’re inspired to continue telling stories that move and challenge us.

    April 2026
  • Great experience, thanks a lot for the opportunity.

    February 2026
  • I am incredibly grateful to the festival for this amazing recognition. Winning this award and participating in such an inspiring event has been an unforgettable experience. I also sincerely appreciate the warm and professional communication throughout. This positive experience will stay with me for a long time.

    January 2026