Celebrating Excellence
Honouring the visionaries shaping the future of storytelling
Where Imagination Meets Recognition
The May the 4th Sci-Fi Film Festival Awards Ceremony presents awards to a new generation of adventurous independent filmmaking, where boundaries are explored, pushed, and often broken. The creative means employed in these films take audiences on a wild ride towards the future of cinematic storytelling.
Our panel of expert judges from within the independent film scene carefully evaluate each submission, celebrating the exceptional talent and innovation that defines modern science fiction cinema. From groundbreaking visual effects to intimate character studies set in distant futures, we recognise excellence across every aspect of filmmaking.
Your Journey
to the Stars
Submit Your Vision
Filmmakers submit their work through FilmFreeway, choosing the appropriate category for their film. All foreign language films must include English subtitles, and short films must be under 25 minutes. We accept films no more than three years old with production standards of 720p HD or higher.
From Screening
to Spotlight
Our expert panel reviews all submissions throughout the year. Films selected for live screening during the festival are automatically under consideration for awards. Nominees across all 16 categories will be announced in March 2026.
A Night
of Celebration
The awards ceremony takes place on Saturday, 2nd May at the magnificent Royal Hotel on Valentia Island. This ticketed event includes a four-course dinner, the awards ceremony, and an after-party celebration. Tickets go on sale when nominees are announced.
The Fine Print: Nominees must purchase their own tickets to attend. If winners cannot attend, awards will be sent after the ceremony. By submitting, filmmakers agree to allow use of clips for promotional purposes.
16 Awards, Infinite Possibilities
Performance Excellence
Honouring the storytellers who bring imagination to life. The Performance Excellence awards celebrate the actors and directors who make science fiction human – grounding extraordinary worlds in emotion, authenticity, and vision.
Best
Actor
For a powerful lead performance that commands the screen and connects audiences to the story’s emotional core.
Best
Actress
For a captivating lead performance defined by strength, nuance, and unforgettable presence.
Best
Director
Recognising the visionary guiding force who transforms ideas into immersive cinematic experiences.
Technical Mastery
Where innovation meets craftsmanship. The Technical Mastery awards honour the behind-the-scenes brilliance that makes science fiction believable, beautiful, and breathtaking.
Best Cinematographer
For visual storytelling that captures the wonder and emotion of futuristic worlds.
Best
Editor
For seamless pacing and rhythm that heighten narrative tension and flow.
Best
Score
For original music that deepens atmosphere and emotional impact.
Best Visual Effects
For innovation and realism that make the impossible believable.
Best Production Design
For crafting immersive settings that bring speculative worlds to life.
Best Costume Design
For visionary design that defines character, culture, and identity on screen.
Storytelling Brilliance
Celebrating bold ideas and unforgettable worlds. The Storytelling Brilliance awards honour the writers and filmmakers whose creativity pushes the boundaries of sci-fi narrative — weaving imagination, emotion, and meaning into compelling stories.
Best
Screenplay
For exceptional writing that blends originality, structure, and vision.
Best
Feature Film
For an outstanding full-length sci-fi story that captivates and inspires.
Best International
Short Film
For excellence in concise storytelling with universal appeal (under 25 mins).
Best Irish
Short Film
For remarkable creativity from homegrown Irish talent (under 25 mins).
Best Sci-Fi
Web Series
For innovative episodic storytelling that keeps audiences coming back.
Best Fantasy Film
For exceptional world-building and storytelling in the fantasy genre (shorts under 35 mins, features under 120 mins).
Best
AI Film
For groundbreaking use of AI technology in cinematic storytelling.
Mark Your Calendars
& Join Us
Mark your calendars for the most prestigious night in independent sci-fi cinema. The Gala Awards Ceremony takes place on Saturday, 2nd May 2026 at 19:00 in the spectacular ballroom of The Royal Hotel on Valentia Island, with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Join fellow filmmakers, industry professionals, and sci-fi enthusiasts for an unforgettable evening that includes a sumptuous four-course dinner, the awards presentation ceremony, and an exclusive after-party where the celebrations continue into the night. This is where the global sci-fi filmmaking community comes together to honour achievement and forge new creative connections.
Key Dates to Remember
- 7th May 2025 – Submissions open on FilmFreeway
- 6th March 2026 – Late deadline for submissions
- 17th March 2026 – Nominees announced across all categories
- 1st-4th May 2026 – May the 4th Sci-Fi Film Festival
- 2nd May 2026 – Gala Awards Ceremony
Gala tickets will be available from 17th March 2026 when nominees are announced.
Transmission Incoming
Subscribe for exclusive news, programme highlights,
and behind-the-scenes updates from across the Galaxy.