Catch your big break: The best screenwriting competitions to enter in 2018
Screenwriting contests still serve as one of the more direct routes for new writers to reach agents, managers, and producers without waiting for a cold call. The landscape has shifted since the early days of these programs, with updated deadlines, larger entry pools, and clearer emphasis on moving scripts toward production rather than just handing out trophies. Several of the long-running competitions remain reliable stops on the circuit, while newer or refreshed programs have stepped up with stronger mentorship tracks and production pipelines.
Script Pipeline Screenwriting Contest
Script Pipeline runs its 24th annual contest with multiple entry windows and a stated goal of moving projects into production. Features across all genres are accepted, and the program highlights representation and diverse voices in its selection process. Early deadlines typically fall in March, with regular and extended windows following through late May. Past winners have used the exposure to secure meetings and development deals, and the contest continues to appear on recent industry roundups for its production focus.
Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition
The Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition has built a reputation alongside the Nicholl and PAGE awards for identifying emerging talent that later lands representation or staffed positions. The 2026 cycle reached capacity and closed early, with categories covering features, shorts, and teleplays. Writers who place often cite the festival environment itself as a career accelerator, since the event draws a heavy industry crowd each fall.
Humanitas New Voices Fellowship
Humanitas New Voices Fellowship targets unrepresented early-career writers and runs a six-month program built around workshops and industry conversations. The emphasis stays on nuanced storytelling about the human condition rather than market trends. The 2026 cycle opened in February with an April deadline and specifically seeks applicants without agents or managers. Participants receive mentorship and connections that many later credit with helping them secure their first staffed writing jobs.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives in Screenwriting Contests
Multiple contests now run dedicated tracks or categories aimed at underrepresented writers. Big Break includes a diversity category for specific groups, while the ISA runs both a Diversity Initiative and Unique Voices competitions. Slamdance continues to highlight bold, underrepresented storytellers in its selection criteria. These programs reflect a broader industry shift toward widening the pool of voices that reach development executives and production companies.
ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship
ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship remains active with a noted February 28, 2026 final deadline in recent promotions. The program focuses on connecting winners with producers, agents, and managers through script circulation and industry events. Past cycles have produced writers who signed with major agencies and landed on the Black List, keeping the fellowship on shortlists for writers seeking that first major break.
PAGE International Screenwriting Awards
PAGE International Screenwriting Awards closed its 2026 contest with more than 8,000 entries and will announce winners on October 15. The program distributes over $50,000 in prizes, including a $25,000 grand prize, and routes winning scripts to producers, agents, and development executives. The scale of participation and consistent industry readership continue to make it one of the more visible contests on the annual calendar.
WeScreenplay
WeScreenplay operates as a script coverage service while running several annual competitions, including feature, short, and TV pilot contests. The organization maintains a Diverse Voices competition that encourages stories from perspectives often underrepresented in Hollywood. Coverage starts at five pages for a flat fee, giving writers concrete notes before they submit to larger contests or production companies.
Slamdance Screenplay Competition
Slamdance Screenplay Competition runs multiple 2026 deadlines through an August 3 final cutoff and offers $18,000 in total prizes, with a $10,000 grand prize. The program accepts submissions in every genre from writers worldwide and provides basic feedback to all entrants. Recent winners have also received additional membership benefits from partner organizations, extending the value beyond the cash award.
Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting
Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting now routes public submissions through The Black List and Writers Guild Foundation portals with entry caps. The 2026-2027 cycle deadlines fall in June and July. Up to five writers receive $35,000 fellowships each year, and the program has expanded its partner list to 55 organizations, including new university and festival additions. Fellows attend awards week events and must complete at least one new feature screenplay during their fellowship year.
The Launch
The Launch, the college-focused million-dollar screenplay competition announced several years ago, shows limited recent activity in 2025-2026 searches. Writers in that demographic may find comparable opportunities through Humanitas College Screenwriting Awards, which offer cash prizes and industry exposure on an annual cycle.
Film Independent Screenwriting Lab
Film Independent Screenwriting Lab now runs as a two-week workshop in the first quarter of the year. Fellows work one-on-one with creative advisors and participate in group sessions aimed at developing a single feature screenplay. Recent participant lists are published publicly, and the program continues to pair writers with established filmmakers for individualized feedback.
Sundance Screenwriters Lab
Sundance Screenwriters Lab held its 2026 session January 17-21 with 11 projects selected. An additional Screenwriters Intensive ran in March for further writers. The program pairs independent screenwriters with established mentors for intensive script work, and participants often gain access to the larger Sundance ecosystem, including grants and the Directors Lab track.
Big Break Screenwriting Contest
Big Break Screenwriting Contest closed its 2026 cycle after an extended June deadline. The program accepts submissions across seven feature categories and four television categories, with winners flown to Los Angeles for meetings with managers, producers, and executives. The 2025 grand prize winners were announced with industry introductions, and the contest continues to position itself as a career-launch platform rather than a one-time award.
Film Daily Screenwriting Contest
Film Daily runs a monthly screenwriting contest focused on underrepresented narratives, including disability, mental health, LGBTQI, race, class, and religion. Winners receive cash prizes, professional screenwriting software, a one-hour session with industry professionals, and an invitation to a regional awards event. Submissions are handled through FilmFreeway, and the contest maintains an open call for writers who think outside conventional industry boxes.
