Aspiring screenwriters seeking to showcase their talents in 2025 have a plethora of prestigious competitions to consider. Participating in these contests can provide valuable exposure, industry recognition, and opportunities for career advancement. Below is a curated list of some of the top screenwriting competitions for 2025:
Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting
Administered by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Nicholl Fellowships is one of the most esteemed screenwriting competitions globally. Each year, up to five $35,000 fellowships are awarded to amateur screenwriters. Winners are invited to participate in awards week ceremonies and seminars and are expected to complete at least one original feature film screenplay during the fellowship year. The 2024 competition is closed, but the 2025 competition will be announced through the official website.
Typical late deadline fee: $90
The Golden Script Competition
Recognized as one of the top screenplay contests, The Golden Script Competition is an international contest accepting short, feature, and TV pilot screenplays. Winners receive cash prizes totaling $10,000, mentorship from industry professionals like Mark Fergus (IRON MAN) and Jessica Sharzer (AMERICAN HORROR STORY), and have their scripts read by renowned production companies and literary agencies, as well as by judges like Kenneth Kokin (THE USUAL SUSPECTS), Kristina Rivera (SULLY) and Molly Conners (BIRDMAN). The competition is open to writers worldwide, providing a platform for emerging talent.
Typical late deadline fee: $69
BlueCat Screenplay Competition
Founded in 1998, the BlueCat Screenplay Competition is dedicated to discovering and nurturing undiscovered writers. The 2025 competition offers $8,000 in cash prizes, including the Fellini Award, which grants $2,000 to the best script written by an international writer. All submissions receive complimentary written analysis, providing valuable feedback to entrants.
Typical late deadline fee: $95
Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition
An Academy Award®-qualifying festival, the Austin Film Festival has a longstanding history of discovering new filmmaking talent. The 2025 Screenplay Competition offers winners the opportunity to participate in a writing workshop and mentorship program with industry professionals. Notably, past winners have gone on to achieve significant success, including signing with representation and having their scripts optioned.
Typical late deadline fee: $80
Scriptapalooza Screenplay Competition
Established in 1998, Scriptapalooza aims to promote and advance the careers of screenwriters. The competition offers various deadlines, with the final deadline for the 2025 competition on March 3, 2025. Winners receive cash prizes and have their scripts promoted to industry professionals, including producers, managers, and agents.
Typical late deadline fee: $65
ScreenCraft Short Film Screenplay Competition
Specializing in short film scripts, the ScreenCraft Short Film Screenplay Competition connects writers with industry professionals who are actively seeking short-form content. Winners receive cash prizes, industry exposure, and the opportunity to have their short films produced.
Typical late deadline fee: $79
Script Pipeline Screenwriting Competition
Script Pipeline has indeed established a solid reputation for linking writers to industry insiders, often resulting in script sales and securing representation for writers. Its competitions cater to feature-length screenplays in any genre, offering not only cash prizes but also significant industry exposure. Winning or even placing well in the competition can lead to valuable script circulation among producers, managers, and agents, increasing the chances of career advancement for emerging writers.
Typical late deadline fee: $80
TrackingB TV Pilot Contest
A well-regarded competition focused on discovering new TV writing talent, the TrackingB TV Pilot Contest provides finalists with exposure to top industry professionals, including agents, managers, and producers. Many past winners have gone on to secure representation and development deals. The contest is ideal for writers looking to break into television with original pilot scripts.
Typical late deadline fee: $75
Save the Cat! Screenplay Challenge
Inspired by Blake Snyder’s renowned screenwriting guide, the Save the Cat! Screenplay Challenge offers writers the opportunity to have their scripts evaluated based on the principles outlined in the book. Winners receive cash prizes and feedback from industry professionals, aiding in the development of their screenwriting skills.
Typical late deadline fee: $139
Showcase Screenwriting Competition
The Scriptation Showcase Screenwriting Competition, organized by Scriptation, offers writers significant exposure to Hollywood directors, showrunners, and producers. Winners receive cash prizes, software packages, and opportunities to meet with industry professionals, facilitating valuable networking and career advancement.
Typical late deadline fee: $70
Participating in these screenwriting competitions offers an excellent opportunity to gain industry recognition, cash prizes, and valuable feedback. For those mindful of budget, the Scriptapalooza Screenplay Competition ($65), Golden Script Competition ($69) and TrackingB TV Pilot Contest ($75) are among the more affordable options, yet still provide great opportunities for emerging writers.
On the higher end, the Save the Cat! Screenplay Challenge ($139), BlueCat Screenplay Competition ($95), and Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting ($90) have the highest fees but offer significant rewards and exposure. Aspiring writers should consider both their goals and budget to find the best fit among these esteemed competitions.
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