Computer Animation Festival

• Best in Show*
• Best Student Project
• Jury’s Choice
• Audience Choice

*Per AMPAS guidelines, the Computer Animation Festival Best in Show is awarded to a work that meets the eligibility requirements for the Oscars’ Best Animated Short category, as outlined in Rule Eight: Special Rules for the Animated Short Film Award, under paragraph 1. A, B, C

27 years Computer Animation Festival
53 years SIGGRAPH Conferences

Since 1999, the SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival has been recognized as an Academy Award® Qualifying Festival* by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). It began as an annual showcase of the advancements in computer graphics. Today, it celebrates computer graphics as a cornerstone to the mainstream mediums of animation, visual effects, gaming, scientific/data visualization, and storytelling.

Email: caf-s2026@siggraph.org

Website: https://s2026.siggraph.org/program/computer-animation-festival/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acmsiggraph/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SIGGRAPHComputerAnimationFestival/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acm-siggraph/

All deadlines are 22:00 UTC/GMT unless otherwise noted.

17 March 2026, 22:00 UTC/GMT
Submission Deadline

May 2026
Notification Date

19-23 July 2026
SIGGRAPH 2026
Los Angeles Convention Center
Los Angeles, California

Shorts

• Advertisements: Commissioned branded short.
• Feature/Episodic Visual Effects: Trailer, clip, or breakdown reel from a live action feature film or episodic.
• Feature/Episodic Animations: Trailer, clip, or breakdown reel from an animated feature film or episodic.
• Short Films: Original short computer animated film.
• Cinematics: Selection from a larger work, such as a game, presented as a short film.
• Real-Time Graphics: Short film or selection from a larger work reel showcasing graphics created using real-time rendering.
• Scientific/Data Visualization: Data-Driven Visualizations based on research of domain scientists, including 3D data from a supercomputer simulation or numerical model driven by large scientific data. -OR- Conceptual Animation Visualizations created from the knowledge of domain scientists, employing digital tools and methods rather than large computations.
• Simulations: Utilizing the mathematical description, or model, of a real system in the form of computer imagery to represent the dynamic responses of one system by the behavior of another system.

Submission Deadline, Tuesday, 17 March 2026, 22:00 UTC/GMT

$0 USD

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SIGGRAPH 2026 is a 501c3 nonprofit.

Support the Computer Animation Festival! Consider donating and select Computer Animation Festival as the program where your donation is applied.

Submission entries must meet ALL of the following:

1. Submission includes computer graphics.
2. Submission must be completed after 18 March 2025.
3. Completed Computer Animation Festival Submission (via Linklings) by the official deadline.
4. Signed and completed ACM Rights Management Form by the submission deadline.
5. Submission must be complete and received by 17 March 2026, 22:00 UTC/GMT. We cannot grant timeline extensions.

Tips:

• You may submit more than one project but a separate entry must be submitted for each project.
• It is preferred that submitted projects not be available online prior to the festival.
• Premiere Status is highly valued.
• Works in Progress are not eligible.

Stage 1 Submission Entry
Stage 1 is a three-step process. All steps must be completed for projects to be considered.

• Step 1: Computer Animation Festival Submission
  Populate the submission form via the submission platform powered by and referred to as Linklings.
• Step 2: Entry Video
  Upload the entry video when prompted on “My Submissions” page in Linklings.
• Step 3: ACM Rights Management Form
  Sign and complete the emailed ACM Rights Management Form.

Stage 2 Program Material
If selected, you will be required to submit additional information including the highest resolution version of your project. Ideally, 4K 3840 × 2160.

Stage 1 Submission Entry

Step 1: Create an Account and/or Sign in.

• Visit the SIGGRAPH Submission Portal, powered by Linklings, to sign-up/login, then from the “Make a New Submission” tab, click on the “Computer Animation Festival” link.

Step 2: Complete all of the fields in the submission form.

• Click the “Mark as Complete” button at the bottom of the form.
  • Tip: If you need to gather or finalize the required details, you can use the “Save as Draft” button to store your progress.
  • If you’d like to familiarize yourself with the information you will need to provide, please review this Sample Stage 1 Submission Form.

Step 3: Upload Entry Video.

• Follow the instructions and technical specifications for uploading your video to your “My Submissions” page in Linklings.
  • Tip: The ACM Rights Management Form will be auto-generated after the video upload. The link to access the form will be emailed ONLY to the individual listed as Distributor/Contact on the Linklings submission form.

Step 4: Sign and complete the ACM Rights Management Form.

• To familiarize yourself with the information you will need to provide, please review this Sample ACM Rights Management Form.
• The ACM Rights Management Form is a unique document, tailored specifically for each submission. It is auto-generated ONLY AFTER the submitter completes Steps 1, 2, 3 in Linklings. Only the individual listed as “Distributor/Contact” in Linklings will receive the email containing the link to complete the ACM Rights Management Form.
• It is the submitter’s responsibility to ensure the “Distributor/Contact” is aware of this process and follows the link in the email sent from rightsreview@acm.org. If you cannot locate this email, please check your filters and/or spam. Contact caf-s2026@siggraph.org for assistance.

ACM Rights Management Form

The ACM Rights Management Form defines the manner in which the material you have submitted will be used, if accepted. It also allows you the opportunity to grant or deny specific uses of the material and its presentation before, during, and after the conference.

Applicant information must include a full name, an affiliation, and a unique email address. Please note, the use of generic “festivals@…” or repeated email addresses within the same submission ARE NOT permitted and will be disqualified from consideration.

Examples of usage are:

• Your representative image and text may be used for promotional purposes, such as a preview/trailer of accepted content. As such, this promotional content MAY include a portion of your video.
• Additional virtual screenings opportunities are available after the SIGGRAPH 2026 Computer Animation Festival showcase in Los Angeles, if interested.

Runtime
A maximum length of 40 minutes.

Credits
A maximum length of 7 seconds.

File Size
Stage 1 Submission Entry: 10 GB maximum file size
Stage 2 Program Material: 20 GB maximum file size

Video Codecs
Apple ProRes 422
DNxHD
H.264

Video Wrappers
QuickTime
MP4
Please note DCP format WILL NOT be accepted.

Video File Type
.mov
.mp4

Video Resolutions
Stage 1: minimum resolution: HD – 1920 x 1080
Stage 2: re-submit at preferred: 4K – 3840 × 2160

Frame Rate
23.97, 24, 29.97, 30, 59.94, or 60 fps

Audio Configurations
48 kHz
Stereo
Levels should be normalized for -23 LUFS (+/- 0.5)

Color Space
Rec 709

Entry Review & Computer Animation Festival Jury

All submitted entries are evaluated by a dual review process that involves individuals from various communities focused on technical, creative, production, and more.

The first review team is involved in pre-selection and will review and rank all entries as they come in. Pre-selected submissions will then move on to the Computer Animation Festival Jury. The Jury is composed of industry peers in senior positions.

Submitters will be informed by email of the status of their submissions only after the Computer Animation Festival Jury makes its final decisions. All Submitters will be notified of their status by early May 2026. The Computer Animation Festival Jury also selects the recipients of the three festival awards: Best in Show, Jury’s Choice, and Best Student Project.

The Computer Animation Festival reserves the right to place submissions in a different category if deemed appropriate by the Computer Animation Festival subcommittee or jury. Stay tuned for the reveal of your 2026 jurors.

Notification

All Electronic Theater Submitters will be notified by email of the status of their submission(s) in early May 2026.

After Acceptance

The timeframe between the Computer Animation Festival Jury meeting and the SIGGRAPH 2026 conference is very short, and much of the preparation takes place behind the scenes. If your work is selected, you may be asked to respond promptly to requests for additional information or clarification from the Computer Animation Festival subcommittee. While follow-up is unlikely after notification, please ensure you remain available by email should the need arise.

Presenter Recognition

Contributor attendance is not required but we encourage you to attend in person and experience this special celebration event alongside your peers.

Electronic Theater:

• For Full Conference registrants, an Electronic Theater ticket is included with registration.
• For all other registration levels, you are required to purchase a ticket.

One contributor per accepted piece receives 50% off any registration category, plus one complimentary in-person Electronic Theater ticket if not already part of the registration selected.

Animation Theater:

• Full Conference and Full Conference Supporter registration.

One contributor per accepted piece receives 50% off any registration category.

I have submitted my work to the most recent SIGGRAPH Asia Computer Animation Festival. Is it OK if I submit the same work to the SIGGRAPH 2026 Computer Animation Festival?

Yes. You can submit the same work to SIGGRAPH 2026, as long as it was completed after 18 March 2025. We are independent festivals with separate juries and acceptance procedures.

Do submissions to the Computer Animation Festival have to be 3D animations?

No. We generally feature works where the computer was essential to the creation of the work, but there is no specific requirement that it be 3D. All forms of computer animation are eligible, including but not limited to: 3D computer animation, 2D animation, visual effects and live action, real-time video game play, data visualizations, simulations, scientific illustrations, and digitally manipulated imagery and video. If you have computer-generated work within a larger piece, we request that you call our attention specifically to the portion where computer-generation was used.

How many works can I submit to the SIGGRAPH 2026 Computer Animation Festival?

There is no limit. You may submit as many projects as you like, but ensure you complete a separate submission form for each work. However, note that the Computer Animation Festival values diversity in its content. We receive a high volume of quality submissions for the program and as such, high-quality works are occasionally not selected simply due to overrepresentation from one company/individual/category/etc.

Is there a submission fee for submitting to the SIGGRAPH 2026 Computer Animation Festival?

No. Submission to the Computer Animation Festival is free for all categories.

Can I submit the same piece to both the Computer Animation Festival and to Talks or the Art Gallery, or any other SIGGRAPH 2026 programs?

You are welcome to submit pieces to the Computer Animation Festival as well as to submit related work to other programs. Each submission requires a separate online form, however, and each program has varying deadlines and requirements. You can review all submission deadlines here.

I have an art animation (abstract or experimental). Should I submit it to the Art Gallery or the Computer Animation Festival?

All animation submissions should be submitted to the Computer Animation Festival.

Where do I send my submission materials?

All works must be submitted via the SIGGRAPH 2026 online submission platform, powered by Linklings. The platform provides submitters easy access to the submission system, eliminates time-consuming shipping and mailing, and provides an efficient procedure for reviewing submitted work.

Can I enter my work through FilmFreeway?

The Computer Animation Festival does not accept submissions through FilmFreeway. All works must be submitted via the SIGGRAPH 2026 online submission platform, powered by Linklings.

When is the submission deadline for the Computer Animation Festival?

Online submission forms and accompanying uploads must be completed no later than 17 March 2026, 22:00 UTC/GMT for the Computer Animation Festival. Submissions received after this deadline WILL NOT be reviewed. Click here for an online time zone converter to use.

I will not be able to finish my project by the submission deadline. Is it possible for me to submit “work in progress” for review?

No. The SIGGRAPH 2026 Computer Animation Festival reviews only finished projects. The file/project you upload at the time of entry is what will be shown at SIGGRAPH 2026, if your work is accepted. If you have questions or would like to make a case for an exception, please email caf-s2026@siggraph.org.

We are an art school, and are planning to submit several student works as one submission. Is this OK?

No. Each piece must be uploaded separately to the online submission system along with its own completed and signed submission form. Each piece is judged individually, on its own merit.

I am a student, and there is no Student Projects category. Where should I enter my work?

All student work should be submitted under the category that most closely describes it (e.g., animation or visual effects). Make sure to select the “Student Project” checkbox as you fill out the form, so that your work may be considered not only for the Best in Show award and Jury’s Choice prizes, but also for the Best Student Project prize.

What file formats are acceptable for submission?

See the “Technical Specifications” guidelines above for file format details. 

What criteria will the jury use to select works?

Jurors select the highest quality works from among those submitted. Each juror takes into consideration the technical aspects of the piece, the visual interest, and, for story-based projects, the storytelling. However, the jury’s primary criterion is to select the projects which it feels will collectively form the strongest overall showcase.

What is the difference between the juried program and the curated program?

The juried program presents work selected by the jury, representative of the best computer-generated content from a global perspective.

The curated program is used to round out the final show with invite-only special presentations, as deemed by the Computer Animation Festival Director and Committee.

Why must the credits be no more than seven seconds?

To maintain the pace of the Computer Animation Festival showcase, for the sake of our participants, the SIGGRAPH conference policy requires that all credit sections for accepted submissions must be seven seconds or less.

My animation makes use of commercially recorded music. Is that OK?

You are responsible for securing the necessary permissions and licenses for audio material that is contained in your work. If your music was not created originally for your content, or if you are using another person’s music, you must obtain the necessary permissions or required licenses. SIGGRAPH will not purchase these rights for you and reserves the right to remove any submission from the showcase if they are found to violate any copyright agreements.

If my work is selected for the Computer Animation Festival, will SIGGRAPH 2026 pay for my accommodation and/or travel expenses?

No. You are responsible for your accommodation and travel expenses.

Why are the technical requirements so specific?

The technical requirements are very specific to make the submission process more streamlined for you. We have carefully selected codecs and resolution formats that are easily accessible to all, and that offer the highest quality and reduce data loss, when possible. Our aim is to provide you with a streamlined post and DI process. This ensures that the material you send us, if accepted, will look amazing on the big screen!

I am having trouble uploading my files. What can I do?

If you have problems uploading your files to the SIGGRAPH 2026 online submission system, your server may be behind a firewall that doesn’t allow HTTPS connections. If you are submitting from a corporate or institutional network, ask your information technology department to assist you in completing your submission. If you have any questions about uploading files, review “Uploading Files” in the Submissions FAQ.  If you do not find the answer to your question there, feel free to contact the Computer Animation Festival Electronic Theater subcommittee at caf-s2026@siggraph.org.

Do I need an ORCID to submit?

No, whether you are a Submitter and/or Creator, you no longer are required to enter an ORCID to submit to the Computer Animation Festival.

Do I need to add 2 Pop and Slate?

No, a 2-second audio pop and slate is not required.

I am a Distributor, how can I submit multiple submissions?

If you are submitting multiple submissions, for example on behalf of students or an institution / company, we’ve added new functionality called DISTRIBUTORS/CONTACT, whereby the name and email you supply will become the point of contact for a given submission. If you also happen to be one of the Creators, simply use the same email address in both the DISTRIBUTOR/CONTACT and CREATOR sections on the submission form.