There’s a ton of competitions out there – the trick is finding the right ones or, to be blunt, finding competitions which aren’t a scam. With that in mind, here’s a cherry-picked list I’ve built up over the past few years. Entry dates are estimates, based off past offerings. While some of these contests are closed for the year, keep checking back for updates for 2025. While there’s certainly hundreds more out there, the following represent legitimate competitions with definite endgame value:
Austin Film Festival Screenplay/Teleplay Competition
The script competition at AFF is one of the top three most credible, honored and head-turning in the nation. While it is but one facet of the stellar AFF program … it also happens to consistently call out the best in the business, and deserves the respect it demands. For full-lengths, teleplays, and even short films (scroll down to find all the different categories).
Entry fee: $75
Deadline: May 24th
Info: https://austinfilmfestival.com/submit/screenplay-and-teleplay-submissions-2/
Slamdance Short/Long Screenplay Competition
The Slamdance Screenplay Competition is dedicated to new writers. They accept screenplays in every genre and every medium on any topic from every country around the world. Their mission is to bring attention to the most talented emerging screenwriters and introduce them to the industry. The WGA, west holds a reception each year for the winners.
Entry fee: $35 to $55
Deadline: July 2th
Info: https://slamdance.com/screenplay-submit/
Final Draft Big Break Competition
Includes prizes and/or submission to show runners, agents and studios who are in search of new talent. Final Draft’s Big Break Screenwriting Contest is an annual, international feature film and television screenwriting contest designed to help launch the careers of aspiring writers. Writers who have entered Big Break have had their screenplays optioned, sold, and have secured high-profile representation.
Entry fee: $65
Deadline: June 28th
Info: https://www.finaldraft.com/big-break-screenwriting-contest/
Scriptapalooza Competition
Top selectees will have their scripts read by producers and agents in the film industry. The program is run with WGA oversight and approval. This is a twice a year competition that has been around for almost a decade.
Entry fee: $75
Deadline: See website – dates vary.
Info: http://www.scriptapalooza.com/
Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting
The Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting program is an international competition open to feature film screenwriters who have not earned more than $5,000 writing for film or television. Entry scripts must be the original work of a sole author or of exactly two collaborative authors. Entries must have been written originally in English. Adaptations and translated scripts are not eligible. Up to five $30,000 fellowships are awarded each year.
Entry fee: Varies
Deadline: May 1, annually
Info: https://www.oscars.org/nicholl/about
BlueCat Screenplay Competition
Includes cash prizes ranging from $100 to $1000. Every screenplay submitted to BlueCat receives written analysis from industry insiders.
Entry fee: $35 to $65 (dependent on entry date)
Deadline: July
Info: https://bluecatscreenplay.com/submit/
Script Pipeline Competition
Connects talented writers with production companies, agencies, and managers. As one of the longest-running and most successful screenplay contests, they focus specifically on finding writers representation, supporting diverse voices, championing marketable, ambitious storytelling, and pushing original projects into production.
Entry fee: $35 to $65 (dependent on entry date)
Deadline: May 1st
Info: https://scriptpipeline.com/shop/screenwriting-contest
Screencraft Competitions
Multiple competitions here comedy, feature, sci-fi/fantasy, and action-adventure. Past winners and finalists signing at 3 Arts, Zero Gravity, CAA, Management 360, and Verve. All finalists will be invited to an exclusive Finalist+ workshop on how you can best position yourself and your writing to the industry.
Entry fee: $69.50 to $139.00 (dependent on entry date and if you want feedback)
Deadline: May 31st (Last Call)
Info: https://screencraft.org/screenwriting-contests/
Page International Screenwriting Awards
An internationally recognized screenwriting competition with script submissions from all over the world. Judges have extensive experience in the industry as creative consultants. Winners receive feedback in addition to promotion and the possibility of management/production.
Entry fee: $47 to $87 (dependent on entry date)
Deadline: April 15, 2025
Info: https://pageawards.com
Additional Competition Resources
https://www.moviebytes.com/best-screenwriting-contests.cfm
