DGA Student Spotlight Awards for
Underrepresented Directors: 2026 General Rules

Please read the eligibility requirements below.

1. Eligible student films are those in which a student holds every major crew position including Director, Screenwriter(s), Producer(s), Cinematographer(s) and Editor(s).
2. Animated films, experimental films, commercials, music videos, and webisodes are NOT eligible.
3. For documentary submissions, filmmakers must have not exceeded over 30% in stock footage use for the submission.
4. All music rights must be obtained prior to submission.
5. Applicant must be the Director of the film and identify as a person from a marginalized community. If you have questions about if you are eligible to apply, please contact students@dga.org.
6. Applicant must be enrolled in or be a recent graduate (within one year) from a U.S. based graduate, undergraduate (4 year or 2 year) or technical school with film coursework. If you have questions regarding your institution’s eligibility, please contact students@dga.org.
7. Key Crew Members (Screenwriter[s]; Producer[s]; Cinematographer[s]; Editor[s]) must be enrolled in or be a recent graduate (within two years) of a U.S. based graduate, undergraduate or technical school.
8. Competing films must have been completed in the 2024/2025 school year (September 2024 through December 2025).
9. Only films produced as a student project under the supervision of a faculty member are eligible.
10. Students may submit one film but may not re-submit the same film from a previous year.
11. Applicants must submit a streaming URL link of the film (Vimeo or YouTube only). If the link is password-protected, you must submit the viewing password. Downloadable files will not be accepted.
12. Entries should be no longer than 40 minutes in length.
13. Winners must submit their same completed film in its final format for screening by the DGA.
14. The application must be completed in its entirety. Omitting any requested information or providing false information on the application may lead to disqualification.