The 2026 Student Academy Awards will be hosted at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 14, as announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
International Hosting Shift
This marks a significant change in location for the awards ceremony, which previously took place in Los Angeles and has since moved internationally, being held in London in 2024 and New York in 2025 due to the pandemic. For the first time, the ceremony will be integrated into TIFF's program at the TIFF Lightbox complex.
Partnership with TIFF
Thanks to a new partnership, winners of the Student Academy Awards will gain access to TIFF's screenings, market events, educational panels, and networking opportunities. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and president Lynette Howell Taylor expressed their enthusiasm: “As the Academy becomes increasingly global, we are delighted to bring this year’s Student Academy Awards to TIFF. These filmmakers are the future of our industry, and we are thrilled to platform their work at this important international festival.” They also acknowledged their long-standing partner, Rolex, for its commitment to nurturing emerging filmmakers.
Support from TIFF
Anita Lee, TIFF’s chief programming officer, stated, “We’re honored to welcome the Academy and the Student Academy Awards to our 51st edition of the Festival. Championing the next generation of global storytellers is central to our mission, including through initiatives like TIFF Next Wave, and we’re proud to celebrate this year’s student filmmakers as they engage with industry leaders and audiences from around the world here in Toronto.”
Upcoming Announcements
The winners of the 53rd Student Academy Awards will be announced in August. These films will be eligible for the 99th Oscars in the short films categories: best animated short, best documentary short, or best live action short. Established in 1972, the Student Academy Awards provide a platform for emerging talent, with past winners having received 70 Oscar nominations and winning or sharing 15 Oscars.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/2026-student-academy-awards-toronto-film-festival-1236594917/
