LOS ANGELES, CA – March 19, 2025 – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially opened submissions for the 2025 Student Academy Awards®, inviting the world’s most promising student filmmakers to showcase their talents. Now in its 52nd year, this celebrated competition continues to be a launchpad for emerging cinematic voices, with entries due by May 18, 2025.
This year’s awards ceremony promises to be a landmark event, taking place on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the iconic Ziegfeld Ballroom during the New York Film Festival. The Academy is thrilled to partner once again with Rolex, a brand synonymous with excellence and innovation. Rolex’s support underscores its dedication to nurturing the next generation of storytellers, ensuring the transfer of cinematic mastery from today’s icons to tomorrow’s visionaries. Following last year’s successful event in London, the move to New York City signals the Academy’s commitment to bringing this global celebration to new audiences and creative hubs.
A More Inclusive Competition
The 2025 competition introduces exciting updates designed to broaden access and opportunity. For the first time, students enrolled in certificate programs—alongside full-time and part-time undergraduate and graduate students—can submit their final film projects. Previously, eligibility was limited to degree-seeking individuals, but this change reflects the Academy’s recognition of diverse educational pathways in filmmaking. Additionally, the requirement for schools to be accredited has been lifted, further democratizing participation and inviting a wider array of voices to the table.
Students are encouraged to submit their intermediate-level or final graduation films via FilmFreeway, a trusted platform for festivals and competitions. Categories include Animation, Documentary, Live Action Narrative, and Alternative/Experimental—
A Legacy of Impact
Since its inception in 1972, the Student Academy Awards have been a cornerstone of the Academy’s mission to foster emerging talent. Winners, to be announced in August 2025, will receive not only prestigious recognition but also cash grants to fuel their creative journeys. Moreover, all winning films will be eligible to compete for the 98th Oscars® in the Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film, or Documentary Short Film categories—a testament to the competition’s role as a gateway to the industry’s highest honors.
The numbers speak for themselves: past Student Academy Award winners have earned 69 Oscar® nominations and claimed 15 statuettes. This legacy underscores the program’s unparalleled ability to identify and elevate filmmakers who shape the future of cinema.
A Call to Stakeholders
For stakeholders, the Student Academy Awards represent more than a competition—they are an investment in the art form’s evolution. The partnership with Rolex exemplifies how collaboration between creative institutions and visionary brands can amplify opportunity and excellence. As the Academy opens its doors wider than ever, this is a moment to celebrate the boundless potential of student filmmakers and the enduring power of storytelling.
Mark your calendars for October 6, 2025, and join us in New York City to witness the next chapter of cinematic history unfold.
