Cannes Film Awards opens its first dedicated AI film category, with over $26,000 in cash and partner prizes on the line

The Cannes Film Awards has added a dedicated AI film category to its 2027 programme, marking the first time the festival has given AI-generated and AI-assisted filmmaking its own competitive slot. The category sits alongside newly introduced tracks for VR, games, and 360-degree video, and the awards ceremony takes place on 26 June 2027 in Cannes, France. Submissions open from 1 January 2026 and close on 1 May 2027.

For filmmakers who want a Cannes laurel attached to an AI project, this is a direct route in. The competition accepts any AI tool and any model, and hybrid productions, where AI is used meaningfully alongside conventional filmmaking, are explicitly welcome. Entry is open internationally, with fees handled on a tiered basis through FilmFreeway.

What you submit

Films entered into the AI category must use AI in a meaningful capacity. The festival also accepts entries across short film, experimental, and feature categories. All AI tools and models are permitted, and no particular software is favoured over another. The entry route is through FilmFreeway at filmfreeway.com/CannesFilmAwards, where category-specific fees and submission requirements are listed.

Prize structure

The prize pool comprises more than $1,000 in direct cash awards and more than $25,000 in promotional and partner awards. Winners also receive a Cannes laurel and a promotional package. All awards are distributed at the festival ceremony on 26 June 2027 in Cannes. The exact breakdown of cash prizes per category is not detailed on the aggregator page; prospective entrants should check the FilmFreeway listing for the full prize schedule.

Terms worth reading

Entry fees are tiered through FilmFreeway, so the cost varies depending on the category entered and the submission window chosen. Earlier submission windows typically carry lower fees. The page does not detail specific IP or licensing terms, so entrants should read the full rules on the FilmFreeway page before submitting. The page was last verified against the organiser's official listing on 23 May 2026. The deadline of 1 May 2027 is confirmed by the tracker, and the current date puts it well within the submission window.

For planning purposes, aim to submit before the end of April 2027 to allow for any FilmFreeway processing. The official contest entry page is at filmfreeway.com/CannesFilmAwards.

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Source: Cannes Film Awards 2027 — New AI Category, AI Film Contests