2026 Film & Screenwriting Winners

This contest is the very best! Highly supportive in every way. From the first phone call, telling you how much they like your work to seeing through the awards process. They help you get hooked up with a support team that allows discussing your career to go in the right direction! -Kevin Pike

Worth every penny. The script feedback they provided was unequivocally the best I've *ever* gotten from a competition. I tip my hat to whichever NY Metropolitan script reader reviewed my screenplay, because he/she flawlessly grasped the nuances of my narrative intent. That gave their compliments -- and criticisms -- a validity that was immensely useful. Having earned semifinalist honors, I'm truly grateful to the entire team at NY Metropolitan Screenwriting & Cinema. -Joseph Dionisio

I submitted my script to several festivals with feedback and New York Metropolitan’s feedback was superior to the rest – by far! I eagerly incorporated the changes they suggested. I only wish I could work directly with their Analysts fulltime. To the jurists, please accept my heartfelt thank you for the Semi-Finalist award. -Bryan Jacomo

An absolute honor. Thank you so much for the support. ~Mike Kitchens

Thank you so much for your message and the incredible honor. I’m truly grateful that The Last President has been selected as a category winner, especially in such a competitive season. This recognition means a great deal to me and the entire team behind the project. ~Bin He

Incredible! This is an amazing honor . Thank you so very much.  For once in my life, I’m at a loss for words . ~Mark Dahl

Thank you so much for sending over the notes and for taking the time to provide such thoughtful I was genuinely moved reading through them. What meant the most to me was seeing how deeply the judges engaged with the characters, themes, and emotional questions at the center of the story. As a writer, there is nothing more rewarding than knowing the material connected with readers in the way it was intended.

I was especially encouraged by the comments regarding the television potential of the project. Interestingly, I had already begun developing Corporate America as a television series alongside the feature version, so it was exciting to see several of the observations align with the direction I have been exploring.

Thank you again for the recognition, the detailed feedback, and the opportunity to participate in the competition. The notes were incredibly valuable, and I appreciate the time and care that went into them.

Should any industry professionals, producers, development executives, or judges associated with the competition have interest in learning more about the project, I would be happy to provide the full development materials. I currently have both the feature package and television package completed, including a series bible and pilot script for the television adaptation.

Thank you again for your support and encouragement. It truly means a great deal. ~Elora

Thank you so much for honoring my work. Petra Bagnardi

A well organized festival with excellent communication. ~Mark Lund

My experience with this festival has been great. We are very honored that our film was chosen. Communication was

very easy. Thank you so much for recognizing our film. ~Nicole Blessing

I am thrilled to have been granted this honor. I'm so grateful you acknowledged all the thought and hard work I put into this piece. 

I wish you the very best with all your present and future endeavors. Thank you again. Javier von Boren

I feel deeply happy and honored for the "Award Winner" status for my short "ERASER" to your Festival! It's a strong positive feedback for me to keep on struggling through Art against Collective Depression that devours us globally... Long Live Humans! Thank you once again for your warm embrace to my vision! Maria Fragcia

Very honored to have both my screenplays recognized. Victor Martin 

Wonderful experience. Elated they chose my film. Ken Stewart

Thank you so much for the incredibly kind and thoughtful message. I truly appreciate you taking the time to read and recognize Pretty Little Lucy. This story began from a very personal and vulnerable experience, so seeing readers connect with the writing and the emotional journey behind it means a great deal.

I was thrilled to be announced as a quarter finalist in this festival. I can't wait to see where it goes from here.  CJ Cassidy

The independent film community has been incredibly supportive, and acknowledgments like this continue to encourage me to keep pushing this project toward the screen.

Thank you again for supporting writers and independent storytelling. I’m honored to have Pretty Little Lucy recognized among your selections. ~David B. Williamson

Thank you so much for your kind message and for selecting Dinner for Two as a category nominee. I am truly honored to have my film recognized among such a talented group of filmmakers, especially in what you described as your most competitive year yet. Your support and appreciation mean a great deal to me and to everyone who contributed to the project. Thank you again for this recognition and for the opportunity to be part of your festival. ~Aslı Kobanbay

My experience with the New Metropolitan was great. I am honored to be a quarterfinalist at this festival. Communication was super easy.
Thank you for the recognition! Olga Khorkhlova

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my script. Is a big honor for me. I’m happy you liked it and thank you so much for your kind words. ~Valentina Cerda

Quarter-finalist for Los Angeles to New York — thank you. And a special thanks for the unexpected bonus: it got me a Young date with Georgina, my first love. Not every award changes your love life, but this one did. ~David Fong Cheung

Great experience. Would participate again. Richard Norris

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for selecting “I Love You Tammy Cunningham” as a Quart-finalist for the New York Metropolitan Screenwriting and Film Awards. It’s rather dear to me, so I’m really pleased that you enjoyed it. Thank you! Greg Paul 

Loved getting my screenplay read and recognized for it's merit! ~Kristin Samuelson

Based on the submission experience and communication alone, New York Metropolitan Screenwriting Competition & Film Awards made an excellent impression. Even without attending in person, the festival felt highly professional, well organized, and deeply committed to independent film. Communication was clear, timely, and thoughtful, reflecting a team that genuinely respects filmmakers and their work. From a distance, it’s easy to see the care and intention behind the programming and overall experience. It’s absolutely a festival we would be excited to return to and continue supporting in the future. ~Paper Horse Pictures

I’m so excited for my win with y’all especially because I’m from Brooklyn NY, making it more special to me… THANK YALL SO MUCH for enjoying my work ~Veronica Small

Thank you for acknowledging my very first film, THE LOVE MOVEMENT: THE BERNADETTE SCOTT STORY as a 'Nominee'. Bernadette is one of the most remarkable people I have ever known. It's inspiring to witness her love of God, her faith, her choirs and the audiences that she has blest for 54 continuous years and continues to bless to this day! I was not able to come to the festival this year but appreciate all the fine work you're doing to support faith-based film makers. Thanks again and may God continue to bless Faith in Film and all you do in His holy name. ~Lynn Geyer

Thank you so much ~Petra Bagnardi

Thank you for your support. John Ravitz

Thanks. I wrote that script with my heart... and all that's written there is real and true. ~Gustavo Zakkera

First I am so honored that "I love You Tammy Cunningham" was selected for New York Metropolitan Screenwriting & Film Awards. I really appreciated their personal touch in communications.

Thank you.

Hello from Greece! I've just received the notification about "ERASER" 's evaluation as a "category winner": deeply happy and honored, I would like to thank you for your warm hug and support! It is crucial these days to adopt a new way of thinking about self-esteem and what exactly "success in life" means. Thank you once again! ~MARIA FRAGKIA

This festival is seriously a cut above. The time and care put into this festival is impressive. Communication was incredibly good. I did win the grand prize and all of the prizes were set up right away. This should be in everyone's top ten festival list. -Barry Jay

I just now saw your feedback on my script “7 The Legend”. What a great Christmas present it was to read your comments!  This script was a work of passion and I loved hearing that you enjoyed reading it. Thank you so much for your detailed notes and thoughts. I will work on implementing them. Thanks again and I hope you had a great Christmas and that you have an amazing New Year! Regards, Randall 

It has been my pleasure to submit my work to this festival. Films and Screenplays are analyzed with the utmost respect and appreciation! The communication is outstanding! Thank you so very much for honoring my script, with Gratitude! Kimberly Fisher