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Frames And Stages Creatives Awards

Frames and Stages Creative Awards honor visionary creatives, filmmakers and storytellers who are redefining the future of cinema and visual storytelling. With an entry fee of $75, the competition is open to story tellers, independent filmmakers, digital creators, and skit producers across the United States.

 

The awards are divided into five main categories: Best Short Film, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Actor/Actress,

Finalists from both categories, including the overall winners, will be invited to Chicago to attend the Frames and Stages Live Event as VVIP guests. Each category will recognize one winner and a shortlist of up to five exceptional entries.

For detailed information regarding the category guidelines and this year’s submission brief for both Fiction and Non-Fiction, please refer to the entry sections provided below.

PRIZES

Benefits
Category Winner
Shortlist
Commended
Cash Prize

$5000.00

No
No
Online Promotion

Yes

Yes
Yes
Trophy

Yes

No
No
Certificate

Yes

Yes
No
Ceremony

Yes

Yes
No

Entry Requirements / Judging Criteria

  • Originality: All entries must be the original work of the submitting filmmaker or creator and must not infringe upon the rights of any third party

  • Content Standards: Entries must not contain offensive, defamatory, or unlawful material. Submissions that promote hate, discrimination, or violence will be disqualified.

  • Submission Format: All entries should be submitted in a standard digital format (e.g., MP4 or MOV) with a minimum resolution of 1080p.

  • Credits and Titles: Opening titles, end credits, and acknowledgments must be included within the total runtime.

  • Music and Sound: Any music, sound, or audio effects used must be cleared for copyright and properly licensed. Proof of license may be requested.

  • Revisions: Once submitted, entries cannot be modified or replaced. Ensure all files and details are final before submission.

  • Rights and Permissions: By submitting, participants grant Frames and Stages the right to exhibit excerpts or full versions of their work for promotional purposes related to the awards.

  • Disqualification: Failure to comply with any of the submission rules or provide accurate information may result in disqualification.

  • Entries may be filmed using any type of camera or recording device.

  • The duration of each submission must comply with the time limits specified in the respective category description.

  • Each participant may submit only one entry per category.

  • All submissions must be in English or include accurate English subtitles.

  • Audio should be provided in mono or stereo format only; 5.1 surround sound is not accepted.

  • Entrants must hold complete ownership and copyright of the submitted work.

  • Eligible projects must have been created between January 1, 2024, and March 16, 2026.

  • Please review the detailed category descriptions for any additional requirements.

Before Submitting Your Entry, Please Ensure You Have:

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  • Project Summary: A clear and concise written description of your submission, to be entered in the “Series Description” or equivalent field.

  • Screening Link: A working online screener link (e.g., Vimeo or YouTube) to your short film in 1080p ProRes HQ MOV format. The link must remain active and accessible until July 31, 2026. Expired or inaccessible links may result in disqualification.

  • No File Uploads: Please note that submissions sent as downloadable files or attachments will not be accepted.

  • Project Image: One promotional image that visually represents your project.

  • Must be in JPEG format

  • Saved at quality level 10 or higher

  • File size between 1MB and 5MB

  • Color profile set to sRGB

Requirements for Shortlisted or Commended Entries

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  • If your film is shortlisted or recognized for commendation, you will be required to provide high-quality materials for screening, publicity, and distribution purposes. The following deliverables must be submitted:

  • A high-resolution master file with a minimum resolution of 1080p, in ProRes HQ MOV format, and a frame rate of at least 24 fps.

  • Audio materials, including the final mix and individual audio stems, delivered as separate files.

  • A clean version of the film (without subtitles or captions) along with a separate SRT file containing English subtitles.

  • Graphics elements supplied as individual files, separated from the main video where applicable.

  • A trailer between 30 and 60 seconds in duration for promotional use.

  • By submitting, you acknowledge and consent that excerpts or clips from your film may be used by Frames and Stages for public relations, media coverage, and marketing purposes.

  • You will also be asked to provide the following supplementary materials:

  • Three to five high-resolution still images from the film

  • An official film poster

  • A portrait of the filmmaker

  • All images should be 300 ppi and at least 3508 pixels on the longest side

  • A written synopsis, creator biography, and a full list of cast and crew

FRAMES AND STAGES 2026

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