Join us Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Limelight Theater in Atlanta, Georgia
This is where independent film takes the spotlight.
Atlanta Spotlight Film Awards
The Event
Why Submit Your Film
Why Submit Your Film
Where the Year’s Best Short Films Shine Brightest
Live in Atlanta - December 6, 2025 | Limelight Theater
The Atlanta Spotlight Film Awards is a prestigious year-end celebration of the most exceptional short films from around the world. This is not just another festival, it’s a curated event honoring the best in independent short-form story
Where the Year’s Best Short Films Shine Brightest
Live in Atlanta - December 6, 2025 | Limelight Theater
The Atlanta Spotlight Film Awards is a prestigious year-end celebration of the most exceptional short films from around the world. This is not just another festival, it’s a curated event honoring the best in independent short-form storytelling.
Finalists screen live on stage in Atlanta, where their films are judged by both a respected panel of industry professionals and a live audience. This dynamic format creates a one-of-a-kind awards experience that’s competitive, energizing, and filmmaker-focused.
Why Submit Your Film
Why Submit Your Film
Why Submit Your Film
- Be part of a curated live event celebrating the year’s best independent shorts
- Screen on stage in front of filmmakers, film lovers, and industry professionals
- Compete for one of only 12 awards, including Best Narrative, Best Director, and the Spotlight Achievement Award
- Win a custom crystal trophy, digital certificate, and professional laur
- Be part of a curated live event celebrating the year’s best independent shorts
- Screen on stage in front of filmmakers, film lovers, and industry professionals
- Compete for one of only 12 awards, including Best Narrative, Best Director, and the Spotlight Achievement Award
- Win a custom crystal trophy, digital certificate, and professional laurels
- Get promoted through our channels and featured on our website
- Boost your credibility with a festival known for recognizing excellence
Why Attend the Event
Why Submit Your Film
Why Attend the Event
- Experience the year’s most compelling short films in a single unforgettable night
- Celebrate with filmmakers from across the country in a high-energy, non-pretentious atmosphere
- Vote for your favorite films and help decide the winners
- Enjoy a red carpet experience built for indie film - meaningful, exciting, and built on community
Award Categories
Award Categories
Why Attend the Event
- Best Narrative
Recognizing excellence in storytelling and direction in a short fiction film. - Best Documentary
Honoring a powerful and compelling non-fiction short. - Best Drama
Awarding emotionally resonant, character-driven storytelling. - Best Comedy
Celebrating humor, originality, and comedic craft. - Best Horror
Recognizing the most thrilling a
- Best Narrative
Recognizing excellence in storytelling and direction in a short fiction film. - Best Documentary
Honoring a powerful and compelling non-fiction short. - Best Drama
Awarding emotionally resonant, character-driven storytelling. - Best Comedy
Celebrating humor, originality, and comedic craft. - Best Horror
Recognizing the most thrilling and chilling short film of the year. - Best Animation
Showcasing exceptional artistry and technique in animated storytelling. - Best Music Video
Honoring visual creativity and cinematic storytelling through music. - Best Experimental/AI
Recognizing innovation in form, structure, or the use of AI tools in storytelling. - Best Micro Short
Celebrating the strongest film under five minutes in length. - Best Georgia Film
Honoring outstanding work created in Georgia or by Georgia-based filmmakers. - Jury Award
Selected by the judging panel for overall excellence and artistic achievement. - Spotlight Achievement
Awarded to a standout film that defies easy categorization but delivers lasting impact.
Category winners will receive:
- A custom crystal trophy, engraved with their achievement
- A featured filmmaker bio on our website
- Full promotional support through our social media and email channels,
Our Team
Award Categories
Our Filmmakers
The Atlanta Spotlight Film Awards is a premier international competition dedicated to honoring the most exceptional short films of the year.
This prestigious, year-end event recognizes outstanding cinematic achievement and celebrates the independent voices shaping the future of film.
Our mission is to spotlight short films that exemplify e
The Atlanta Spotlight Film Awards is a premier international competition dedicated to honoring the most exceptional short films of the year.
This prestigious, year-end event recognizes outstanding cinematic achievement and celebrates the independent voices shaping the future of film.
Our mission is to spotlight short films that exemplify excellence in storytelling, originality, and craft. Whether from emerging talent or established filmmakers, each selected work represents a creative vision worth celebrating on stage and beyond.
With over 35,000 films evaluated to date, our judging panel — made up of experienced filmmakers, programmers, and consultants — brings a deep respect for the filmmaker’s voice and a sharp eye for quality.
We proudly accept short films from around the world, across all genres, and highlight exceptional work through live screenings, professional recognition, and lasting promotion.
This is where independent film takes the spotlight.
Our Filmmakers
Award Categories
Our Filmmakers
Meet the visionary creators behind this year’s award-winning films. From bold storytellers to masterful directors, these filmmakers represent the best in independent cinema. Explore their bios, discover their work, and see why they earned the spotlight.
Previous Shorts Awards on IMDB
Previous Documentary Awards on IMDB