SAG-AFTRA Foundation Shorts Showcase Relaunches with Grand Prizes for Excellence in Creativity & Performance

Submissions now open; official selections to screen in L.A. & New York
Presented by City National Bank

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation announces the relaunch of its Shorts Showcase featuring presenting sponsor City National Bank, and introducing two $5,000 grand prizes for Excellence in Creativity and Excellence in Performance. Submissions are now open through June 22, 2026.

“City National is proud to support the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Shorts Showcase and the community it serves,” said JaHan Wang, EVP, Head of Entertainment & Sports Banking, City National Bank. “We are committed to artists at every stage of their careers, and to investing in the creative community in ways that sustain original storytelling and foster long-term growth through initiatives like the Foundation’s Shorts Showcase.” 

A SAG-AFTRA member jury will choose a slate of exceptional short films as Official Selections, which will screen over two days in Los Angeles and New York in September. New for 2026, an independent grand jury will present two top honors: Excellence in Performance, recognizing a short film distinguished by an exceptional individual or ensemble performance that is authentic, compelling, and deeply resonant; and Excellence in Creativity, recognizing a short film distinguished by its innovation and creative vision, produced under the SAG-AFTRA Micro-Budget Agreement (under $20,000). Each honor carries a $5,000 grand prize.

“Short films are an often quiet but essential backbone of this industry,” remarked SAG-AFTRA Foundation President and Chairman Courtney B. Vance. “They’ve been the origin story of so many ideas and creative talents that have eventually been expanded and celebrated in longer form. Every year we see truly remarkable work in our showcase, and I can’t wait to see what this year’s submissions bring.”

Since launching in 2009, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Shorts Showcase has grown into the only competition of its kind, built by and for SAG-AFTRA artists. In an ever-changing entertainment landscape, the Showcase also provides opportunities for the SAG-AFTRA community to collaborate and connect through a special series of free, educational programs focused on independent content creation, offering knowledge and skills to bring projects to life. 

“We’re excited to have City National Bank on board this year as the presenting sponsor of our Shorts Showcase, helping us elevate the program with an independent grand jury and new prizes that can make a real difference, whether that means funding an artist’s next project or giving them the momentum to keep creating,” said SAG-AFTRA Foundation CEO Charlotte Wells. “And when it comes to building real skills and meaningful community, this is where our Foundation is at its best.” 

Shorts must be no longer than 30 minutes, including credits. All projects must have been made under a SAG-AFTRA contract and completed between January 1, 2025, and June 22, 2026. 

For more information, rules and to apply, please visit www.sagaftra.foundation/shorts.