Recognizing excellence in independent filmmaking
All accepted films are eligible for the competitive Miramar 2026 Awards. Our awards program celebrates the best in both domestic and international independent filmmaking across multiple categories.
The Miramar 2026 Awards Reception is held on the last day of the Festival - Sunday, October 4, 2026
Recognizing excellence in domestic feature length filmmaking
Celebrating outstanding international feature films
Honoring exceptional direction in domestic features
Recognizing brilliant foreign feature film direction
Outstanding performance in a domestic feature film
Exceptional performance in an international feature film
Excellence in domestic short film storytelling
Outstanding international short film production
Exceptional direction in domestic short films
Brilliant direction in international short films
Outstanding performance in a domestic short film
Exceptional acting in an international short film
All officially selected films are automatically eligible for awards consideration
Our dedicated screening committee and programming team evaluate all entries
Winners are selected based on excellence in filmmaking, storytelling, and technical achievement
Winners announced at the Awards Reception on Sunday, October 4, 2026
Our awards recognize films that exemplify the Miramar 2026 mission of showcasing buried film gems with well-crafted stories. We evaluate films based on:
Unique narratives that bring international intrigue, culture, and character nuance
Quality of cinematography, sound design, editing, and overall production values
Original approaches to filmmaking, especially in our special interest genres
Films that explore moral juxtaposition and confounding realities
Official Selection notifications sent to filmmakers
All official selections screened at SudsNCinema Theatre
Winners announced at the closing ceremony
The judges' decisions are final and no discussion will be entered. All awards decisions are made by our dedicated programming team and screening committee.