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For aspiring and established screenwriters alike, short screenwriting competitions offer an excellent opportunity to showcase talent, gain industry recognition, and even secure production deals. With 2025 around the corner, here’s a curated list of the top short screenwriting competitions to consider submitting your screenplay to. We’ve also written two more related articles: a general one, with the best screenwriting competitions to submit to in 2025 and one with the top TV writing contests of 2025.

ScreenCraft Short Film Screenplay Competition

ScreenCraft’s short film screenplay competition is renowned for its focus on writers and storytelling. Their competition has consistently been a springboard for emerging talent. Winners receive cash awards, industry mentorship, and festival passes, along with feedback for all entrants and networking opportunities to meet top industry professionals.

The Golden Script Competition

Ranked among the most prestigious screenwriting contests, The Golden Script Competition recognizes exceptional short screenplays from across the globe. The winning writers get $10,000 in cash prizes and access to Hollywood production houses, along with extensive exposure to industry professionals and production companies.

Film Pipeline Short Script Competition

The Film Pipeline competition focuses exclusively on short scripts, offering a direct link to industry professionals and producers. Winners receive cash prizes, production assistance, and promotion within the industry.

Killer Shorts

Killer Shorts is a premier competition for horror screenwriters, celebrating dark and thrilling tales. It provides winners with industry exposure, script consultations, and direct connections to producers seeking new horror projects. This contest is perfect for those with a knack for crafting spine-chilling narratives.

Shore Scripts Short Film Fund

Known for its focus on connecting writers with production opportunities, Shore Scripts offers a unique pathway for short screenwriters. Winners receive cash grants of up to $15,000, industry exposure, and script development support, with the winning scripts often produced and showcased at international festivals.

Page International Screenwriting Awards

This well-known competition offers dedicated categories for short screenplays, ensuring focused recognition for writers. Winners receive cash awards, software packages, and promotion of their scripts, along with access to a vast network of agents and producers.

Hollyshorts Screenwriting Competition

The Hollyshorts Screenwriting Competition is renowned for celebrating creativity in short film scripts. Winners gain the opportunity for their scripts to be produced and screened at the prestigious Hollyshorts Film Festival, along with industry exposure and networking opportunities.

Raindance Script Competition

The Raindance Script Competition is a global contest that highlights innovative short screenplays. Winners gain international recognition, script consultations, and opportunities for their scripts to be showcased at the renowned Raindance Film Festival.

Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards (Shorts Category)

With a dedicated shorts category, this competition highlights the best short scripts each year. Winners receive cash prizes and opportunities to pitch to top-tier production houses, along with direct access to Hollywood producers and executives.

Scriptation Showcase – Shorts Category

The Scriptation Showcase celebrates exceptional screenwriting in both feature and short categories. Winners receive script feedback, industry exposure, and the opportunity for their work to be promoted to producers, directors, and other industry professionals.