Prizes - BYU Public Domain Film Festival Skip to main content
Public Domain Film Festival

2025 Contest Prizes

Winning entries in the Public Domain Film Festival will be awarded cash prizes, an originally designed PDFF award trophy, as well as a collection of swag from supporting sponsors. See the list below for descriptions of the awards.

2025 Awards

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Best Picture $1000

The award for best picture will be determined by a panel of independent judges according to the best picture judging rubric. We will also award a Runner-Up prize for Best Picture of $350.
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Audience Choice $500

The Audience Choice Award will be selected live on the night of the screening by an audience vote. We will also award a runner-up prize for Audience Choice of $150.
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Best Musical Score $300

The Best Musical Score award will be judged by an independent panel of judges according to the Best Musical Score judging rubric. The prize will be awarded to a single composer.
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Best Screenplay $300

The award for Best Screenplay will be determined by an independent panel of judges according to the Best Screenplay Judging Rubric. The prize will be awarded to a single screenwriter.
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Best Acting Performance $250

The award for Best Acting Performance will be determined by an independent panel of judges according to the Best Acting Performance Judging Rubric. The prize will be awarded to a single actor.
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Best Director $250

The award for Best Director will be determined by an independent panel of judges according to the Best Director Judging Rubric. The prize will be awarded to a single director.
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Best Sound Design $250

The Best Sound Design award will be judged by an independent panel of judges according to the Best Sound Design judging rubric.
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Best Production Design $250

The Best Production Design award will be judged by an independent panel of judges according to the Best Production Design judging rubric.
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