Atlanta Spotlight Film Awards
Where the year’s best short films shine brightest.

The Atlanta Spotlight Film Awards is a prestigious year-end event honoring the most exceptional short films from around the world. This is not just another festival—it's a curated celebration of the top short films of the year, selected for their artistic excellence, originality, and impact.

Each selected film competes live on stage in Atlanta for top honors in categories such as Best Narrative, Best Documentary, Best Comedy, and more.

A True Competition:
Finalists are invited to screen at our live event on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Limelight Theater in Atlanta, Georgia.
Winners are determined by a combination of festival judges and live audience voting, creating a thrilling, interactive film experience.

About the Atlanta Spotlight Film Awards:
The Atlanta Spotlight Film Awards is a premier international short film competition that celebrates outstanding cinematic achievement and honors the most compelling independent voices of the year.

Our mission is to recognize and promote films that demonstrate excellence in storytelling, originality, and craft. From emerging talent to established filmmakers, we provide a platform where the best short films compete live for top honors in front of both an industry jury and engaged audience.

With over 35,000 films evaluated to date, our expert judging panel - including filmmakers, programmers, and consultants -brings years of experience and deep respect for the filmmaker’s vision.

We accept short films from around the world in all genres and proudly highlight exceptional work with meaningful recognition, live screenings, and lasting promotion.

Let us shine the spotlight on your voice, your film, and your future.

Awards & Prizes

Categories:
Best Narrative – Recognizing excellence in storytelling and direction.
Best Documentary – Honoring powerful non-fiction storytelling.
Best Horror – Highlighting the most thrilling and chilling films.
Best Comedy – Celebrating humor and comedic brilliance.
Best Drama – Awarding compelling and emotionally driven narratives.
Best Animated – Showcasing outstanding animation and artistry.
Best Music Video – Honoring creative and visually stunning music videos.
Best Experimental – Recognizing innovative and boundary-pushing films.
Best AI – Celebrating films that integrate AI-generated storytelling or visuals.
Best Micro Short – Awarding excellence in films under five minutes.
Best Made in Georgia – Honoring the best locally produced films.

Category Winners receive:
A custom crystal trophy
A digital award certificate
A featured filmmaker bio on our website
Promotional support across our platforms

All Nominees receive:
A digital award certificate
A featured filmmaker bio on our website
Promotional recognition as an official nominee

Rules & Terms

Running Time and Categories
All submitted films must have a runtime of 46 minutes or less to be considered.

Live Event
The 2025 Atlanta Spotlight Film Awards will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Limelight Theater in Atlanta, Georgia.

Premiere Status
There are no premiere requirements. Films may have screened at other festivals or been released prior to submission.

Language Requirements
Films in languages other than English or Spanish must include English subtitles for consideration.

Submission Format
All submissions must be made exclusively through FilmFreeway.

Awards Presentation:
If you can't attend the live awards show, don’t worry, you’ll still receive full recognition for your achievement.

Winners and nominees who are unable to attend will:
Be announced online and included in our official winner’s list
Receive digital award certificates and laurels
Have their filmmaker bios featured on our website
Be promoted across our social media and email platforms
Trophy winners will have the option to receive their custom crystal award by mail (shipping rates apply for international shipping)
We proudly celebrate all of our award recipients, whether they join us in person or from around the world. Your work deserves the spotlight—and we make sure it gets it.
103 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Christopher Owens

    On behalf of CESO ENTERPRISES, INC., Alyssa Dann, and Chris Oledude, I would like to compliment the organizers and operators of Spotlight Short Film Awards. We are proud to have had the opportunity to showcase our work, “Orange Blues 24” in your festival, as well as share the spotlight with so many talented film makers. Submitting our film was a simple process, and everyone who contacted us on behalf of this festival was helpful, and easy to communicate with. Although we were not able to attend in person, this will remain a highlight of our year, and we recommend submitting your work to this wonderful festival! We certainly intend to participate again in the future.

    Thank you Spotlight!
    -Alyssa and Chris

    February 2025
    Helpful
  • Liz Lea

    We are thrilled to have been given an award and grateful to the smooth running of the organisers

    February 2025
    Helpful
  • Scavengers The Film

    Thank you for this award win! We are truly grateful and hope the festival continues to be a smashing success.

    February 2025
    Helpful
  • Malcolm Solomon

    This was a fantastic and enjoyable experience.

    February 2025
    Helpful
  • Tamara Setton

    I'm delighted to have been selected and awarded a prize at this very open festival, which is keen to thank a wide range of categories. Thank you to all my team for your recognition.
    •
    Très heureux d'avoir été sélectionné et primé dans ce festival très ouvert et qui a la volonté de remercier des catégories très différentes. Merci à viotre reconaissance pour toute mon équipe.

    February 2025
    Helpful