For three decades, the DGA Student Spotlight Awards for Underrepresented Directors have highlighted the work of dozens of student filmmakers who are underrepresented in the industry. Winners in each category will receive a $2,500 prize from the DGA.
November 4, 2026 and close February 19, 2027.
Eligible films must be made between January 2026 and December 2026 and produced as a student project under the supervision of a faculty member. Animated films, commercials, music videos, and webisodes are not eligible. Applicants must be enrolled in or be a recent (within the eligible submission period) graduate from a post secondary institution located in the United States. Eligible films are those in which students hold every major crew position. Film submissions should be narrative or documentary shorts.
- You can find the full eligibility requirements here.
See information above for the application period.
If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact us at students@dga.org.
