The jury includes director and producer Will Gluck; Rachel O’Connor, producer and President of Film and Television at Pascal Pictures; animation co-director Adam Rosette; and director Justin Chadwick, who returns for the fourth consecutive year.
The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards has set the jury panel for its 2026 edition, which will return to Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City from June 8-11.Established by Creo in partnership with Sony, the annual program for short films celebrates new voices in cinema and provides the opportunity to forge connections across the international filmmaking community.
Shortlisted creators are flown to Los Angeles to attend an exclusive industry program of interactive sessions and masterclasses, where they are given backstage access through a curated program of screenings and workshops.The competition is now closed for submissions.This year’s jury includes director and producer Will Gluck (, ); producer and President of Film and Television at Pascal Pictures Rachel O’Connor (); animation co-director Adam Rosette (); and director Justin Chadwick (, ), who returns as jury chair for the fourth consecutive year.
“The shortlist last year brought together 30 exceptional filmmakers whose distinctive voices and compelling narratives earned them a place at the beating heart of Los Angeles’ creative community, giving them unprecedented access to how cinema is evolving in real time,” said Chadwick.“We have a remarkable jury line-up this year, and I speak for us all when I say that we’re searching for films that challenge conventions, spark genuine emotion, and transform how audiences perceive the world around them.As we head into the 2026 edition, we’re eager to discover that kernel of originality and vision that elevates good filmmaking into something extraordinary.” This year’s shortlisted filmmakers will be announced on April 30.
Led by Sony Pictures executives, the sessions invite the filmmakers to learn more about essential aspects of the industry.The event culminates in a gala ceremony on June 11, where the category winners will be unveiled and awarded a range of cash prizes and Sony Digital Imaging equipment.This year, the Future Format invited entrants to submit shorts created specifically for vertical viewing (9:16 aspect ratio).
Also returning to this year’s Awards is the Sustainability Prize, set up by Creo and Sony to spotlight a short film that creatively communicates how themes of environment, accessibility, diversity, equality, and inclusion can encourage us to act together to ensure a positive future for the planet.
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
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