The HollyShorts Film Festival is returning for its 22nd edition this August, bringing together hundreds of short films, filmmakers, and industry professionals from around the world. As one of the most prominent Oscar- and BAFTA-qualifying short film festivals, HollyShorts has built a reputation as a launchpad for emerging talent while also attracting established names from across the entertainment industry.

With the 2026 event approaching, attendees can expect more than a week of screenings, panels, networking opportunities, and special events centered around short-form storytelling. Here's everything you need to know about the festival's schedule, venue, and key dates.

The 22nd Annual HollyShorts Film Festival will run from August 13 through August 23, 2026. The program is centered at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Ovation Hollywood, located at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California. The festival's early badge pickup will begin on August 13 at 3:30 PM in the TCL Chinese Theatre 6 lobby.

On the other hand, after opening day, attendees can collect badges daily between 11:30 AM and 11:30 PM throughout the event. Alongside its in-person programming, HollyShorts will also offer an online component, allowing audiences outside Los Angeles to participate in select screenings and events. Tickets and passes are available through the festival's official platform, including All Access, All Access for Panels Only, and Day Passes that provide entry to screenings, panels, networking opportunities, and select after-parties.

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 Because several events have limited seating, attendees are encouraged to secure their passes in advance.

This year's festival features an expansive lineup of approximately 430 films spanning narrative shorts, documentaries, animation, music videos, sports storytelling, and emerging filmmaker showcases. The program includes work from both rising creatives and established industry names, continuing HollyShorts' reputation as a launchpad for future awards contenders.

Among the notable projects in the 2026 lineup are Renée Zellweger's directorial debut They, Michael Keaton's Sweetwater, and Martin Freeman's Little Bug, alongside films connected to talents such as Alexandra Shipp, Vincent Cassel, and Michael Caine. Beyond screenings, the festival will host industry-focused conversations, educational programming, networking sessions, and filmmaker events designed to connect creators with studios, streamers, distributors, and executives.

Academy Award and BAFTA qualification status, and a lineup featuring hundreds of projects from around the world, HollyShorts remains one of the most closely watched short-film festivals on the calendar. The 2026 edition looks set to continue that tradition while offering filmmakers and audiences another opportunity to celebrate the best in short-form cinema.

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Which filmmaker, film, or panel are you most looking forward to at HollyShorts 2026? Tell us in the comments.