Festival Awards & Juries

Each year, a distinguished panel of filmmakers, film critics, and industry professionals serves on our juries to select the winners of our competition categories. Jury awards include:

- Best Narrative Feature - Best Documentary Feature - Best Narrative Short - Best Documentary Short - Best Alabama Film - Best Student Film - Best SHOUT Feature & Short (LGBTQ+ Programming) - Best Black Lens Film (Black Filmmakers & Stories) - Life & Liberty Award (Civil & Social Issues)

We believe our audience is the ultimate jury. After each screening, attendees can submit their votes digitally. Audience Choice awards are presented for:

- Best Narrative Feature - Best Documentary Feature - Best Narrative Short - Best Documentary Short - Best Alabama Film

All winners are announced at our annual Award Show, which takes place on the final Sunday night of the Festival at 9:00 PM at the historic Lyric Theatre. Entry to the Award Show is free and open to all pass holders and the general public.