California Film Awards
Each year at the annual California Film Awards Ceremony and Filmmakers Dinner, awards are bestowed upon the winning filmmakers and screenwriters in a variety of competition categories. Juried awards are given in several categories to celebrate achievements in filmmaking, screenwriting and acting. Cash prizes are awarded for the Grand Jury Prize, presented to the best film in competition among all categories, and select Special Jury Prizes awarded for originality of vision and superior execution as determined by a jury of industry professionals.
In addition, select winners will receive various benefits and prize packages from our sponsors and partners.
Grand Jury Award
Special Jury Prize
Diamond Level Award
Gold Level Award
Silver Level Award
Best Narrative Feature
Best Documentary Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Short
Best Foreign Feature
Best Foreign Short
Best Student Feature
Best Student Short
Best Animated Feature
Best Animated Short
Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best California Feature
Best California Short
Best Experimental Film
Best Music Video
Best Television Pilot
Best Comedy
Best Family Film
Best First-time Director
Best First-time Documentary
Best Dramatic Film
Best Television Commercial
Orson Welles Awards
Animated Film
California Film
Documentary Film
Music Video
Narrative Film
Screenplay
Short Film
Student Film
Television Pilot
Screenplay Competition
Five scripts will be recognized at Top Winners - 1st through 5th place.
Ten scripts will be recognized as Official Finalists.
Ten scripts will be recognized at Honorable Mentions.
Diamond Level Award
Gold Level Award
Silver Level Award
Virtual Pitchfest
The 1st through 5th place Winners of the Screenplay Competition will each receive one VIP Package containing 10 free pitches. VirtualPitchFest.com is an affordable and convenient way to pitch your scripts to Hollywood Producers, Managers, and Agents. It offers you a chance to pitch your projects via query letters to Producers, Managers, and Agents who are actively seeking projects!
Short Script Competition
Five scripts will be recognized at Top Winners - 1st through 5th place.
Ten scripts will be recognized as Official Finalists.
Ten scripts will be recognized at Honorable Mentions.
Diamond Level Award
Gold Level Award
Silver Level Award