SXSW Film & TV Festival

About SXSW Film & TV Festival

Founded in 1987, SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals through conferences and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture. The annual March event serves as an essential destination for global professionals

Awards this festival can qualify you for

• BAFTA Short · British Short Film

  Any British short film or animation screened at SXSW (any section) qualifies for BAFTA nomination. No win required.

• BIFA Best Film · Best British Independent Film

  In-person official selection at this BIFA Section A festival is sufficient (one Section A festival confers eligibility; the alternative is two Section B British festivals). No win required. Online-only screenings do not qualify. British independent film (BFI cultural test). 2026 window: 1 Nov 2025 to 30 Nov 2026.

• BIFA Short · Best British Short Film

  In-person official selection is sufficient; no win or competition placement required. BIFA Short Section A: one Section A festival confers eligibility. British production, under 40 minutes.

• Oscar Animated Short · Animated Short Film

  Must win the Animated Shorts Competition Jury Award.

• Oscar Documentary Feature · Documentary Feature Film

  Must win the Grand Jury Award – Documentary Feature. Then submit separately to Academy.

• Oscar Documentary Short · Documentary Short Subject

  Must win the Documentary Shorts Competition Jury Award.

• Oscar Live Action Short · Live Action Short Film

  Must win the Narrative Shorts Competition Jury Award.

SXSW Film & TV Festival submission FAQ

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