The Shorts Race
Tracking the road from qualifying festivals to the Oscar stage
Upcoming & Live Festivals
Academy-qualifying festivals for the 99th Oscars short film race. Dates based on published schedules; 99th rules not yet confirmed.
Aspen Shortsfest
UpcomingOn the Academy qualifying-festival list. Multiple qualifying award categories.
View details →Festival de Cannes
UpcomingSubmission deadline passed Mar 9, 2026. Qualifying award: Palme d'Or — Best Short Film.
View details →Tribeca Festival
UpcomingExtended short-film submission deadline was Feb 13, 2026 (closed). Three qualifying awards.
View details →Palm Springs International ShortFest
UpcomingOne of the largest short film festivals in North America. Five qualifying award categories.
View details →HollyShorts Film Festival
UpcomingFour qualifying award categories across all three Oscar short categories.
View details →Student Academy Awards 2026
Submissions OpenSAA medals are a direct qualifying route for all three short categories. Animation/Alt-Experimental qualifies for Animated Short; Documentary/Alt-Experimental for Documentary Short; Narrative/Alt-Experimental for Live Action.
View details →Venice International Film Festival
Submissions OpenQualifying award: Orizzonti Award for Best Short Film. Regular deadline Apr 29, late deadline May 28.
View details →Toronto International Film Festival
UpcomingTwo qualifying awards: Best International Short Film and Best Canadian Short Film.
View details →How Short Films Qualify
A short film must clear several gates to reach the Oscar stage. Here are the key requirements under the current rules.
Category
40 minutes or less including credits. Animated shorts must be at least 75% animated. An animated documentary can enter Animated or Documentary, but not both.
Qualification
Win a qualifying award at an Academy-listed festival, complete a 7-day paid theatrical run in one of six U.S. metro areas, or earn a Student Academy Award medal.
Release
If qualifying theatrically, no prior public non-theatrical release (TV, streaming, VOD). Festival-award qualifiers are exempt from this restriction.
Submission
Upload to the Academy Screening Room with English captions, credits, and proof of qualification. The submitted version must be identical to the qualifying version.
The Funnel
In the 98th cycle: 113 animated, 117 documentary, and 207 live-action shorts qualified — then cut to 15 shortlisted, then 5 nominees per category.