New Jersey Film Awards
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Submission Categories

Explore the four primary areas of NJFA recognition before submitting through FilmFreeway.

01 · Film

Film Categories

Features, shorts, documentaries, genres, student work, and special formats.

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Best Narrative Feature Best Documentary Feature Best AI Feature Best Short Film Best Drama Short Best Comedy Short Best Horror Short Best Thriller Short Best Sci-Fi Short Best LGBT Short Best Animation Short Best Experimental Short Best Inspirational Short Best Documentary Short Best International Short Best New Jersey Short Best Microshort Best Mobile Short Best College Short Best High School Short Best Web Series / TV Pilot Best Music Video Best AI Short Best Trailer Best Movie Poster Best Concept

02 · Acting

Acting Categories

Lead, supporting, ensemble, feature, short-form, and young performer recognition.

View Acting Categories
Best Actor in a Feature Best Actress in a Feature Best Actor in a Short Best Actress in a Short Best Supporting Actor Best Supporting Actress Best Ensemble Best Young Actor

03 · Technical

Technical Categories

Direction and the achievements that shape the look, sound, rhythm, and impact of a film.

View Technical Categories
Best Director of a Feature Best Director of a Short Best First-Time Director Best Female Filmmaker Best Young Filmmaker Best Cinematography Best Editing Best Visual Effects Best Special Effects Makeup Best Sound Design Best Original Score

04 · Screenplay

Screenplay Categories

Original feature-length and short-form scripts.

View Screenplay Categories
Best Feature Screenplay Best Short Screenplay

Screenplay competitions may also include an Honorable Mention designation for a runner-up script.

AI Submission Policy

These guidelines help ensure AI-assisted projects are entered into the appropriate category and evaluated fairly.

01

Primary AI Creation

Projects in which generative AI creates substantial portions of the story, visuals, animation, performances, or audio must be submitted to Best AI Short or Best AI Feature.

02

Supporting AI Tools

Limited use of AI for voice enhancement, isolated artwork, editing assistance, or similar production and post-production functions does not automatically require submission to an AI category.

03

NJFA Determination

The New Jersey Film Awards reserves the right to determine the appropriate category and eligibility of any submission based on the extent and significance of AI's contribution to the finished project.

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