The wait is over. Decentralized Pictures (DCP), the nonprofit dedicated to empowering emerging filmmakers, will announce the recipient of its Sofia Coppola Short Film Award on Friday, August 21 at 2 p.m. PT/5 p.m. ET via a live podcast presentation. DCP will additionally spotlight 25 award finalists, reflecting its commitment to uplifting independent creators.
In collaboration with the award-winning filmmaker, the Sofia Coppola Short Film Award launched in April and received more than 2,300 submissions and 230,000 votes. The 25 finalists were shortlisted through community review on DCP’s transparent voting platform, evaluating for unique voice, visual quality and originality. The final recipient was selected by Coppola and the DCP Board.
Drawing on the legacy of Coppola’s unique filmmaking voice, the award seeks to celebrate a filmmaker with a distinct point of view, confident visual sensibility and an instinct for storytelling that feels unmistakably their own. The full award package includes $20,000 to produce a short film, as well as mentoring support, P&A support and distribution of the completed short film on the forthcoming DCP+ streaming platform.
When: Friday, August 21, 2026 at 2 p.m. PT/5 p.m. ET
Where: Tune in to the live reveal on DCP's YouTube, X, and Instagram accounts
Direct link to live video podcast:
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