Skyline Film Festival recognizes excellence across categories, with awards celebrating both creative achievement and cultural impact.

Main Categories

• Best Narrative Feature

• Best Documentary

• Best Short

• Best Student Film

• Best New Media/Web Series

Creative Awards

• Best Cinematography

• Best Lead Acting

• Best Score or Soundtrack

• Possible Best in Show - top prize “grand jury prize” $500 +possible other special prizes (selected from all categories - all jurors must agree)

Special Jury Prizes

• The Oscar Micheaux Award for Underrepresented Storytellers

• The Alice Guy Blaché Award for Fresh Narrative Perspectives

• The Fort Lee Trailblazer Award for Global & Cultural Storytelling

Possible honorable mentions in each category that receive certificates

Possible audience choice at the festival itself

Awards Include:

• Custom Skyline Film Festival trophy or certificate

• $500 for best feature and documentary, $400 cinematography, score, lead actor, best short, student, web series and $250 for special jury prizes

• Recognition across BFC’s website, social media, and newsletter

• Complimentary festival passes for winners

• Industry introductions and networking opportunities

• Select winning films may be considered for encore screenings at the Barrymore Film Center

Rules & Terms

1. All entries must be submitted through FilmFreeway.

2. Films must have been completed after January 1, 2022. Restored or rediscovered works older than 3 years may be considered if they have not been widely exhibited or distributed (juror discretion)

3. Non-English films must include English subtitles.

4. Entrants must own or control all rights to the submitted film.

5. Films may be of any genre but must align with the festival’s focus on storytelling, creativity, and cultural awareness.

6. Works-in-progress will be accepted only if final cuts are available by notification date.

7. Entry fees are non-refundable.

8. Accepted filmmakers agree to allow excerpts of their films (up to 2 minutes) to be used for promotional purposes.

9. Screening format for selected films must be DCP or high-quality digital file.

10. Student submissions must include proof of current or recent (within one year) enrollment.