There are so many screenwriting competitions out there, but they’re not all created equally. Only a few can really back up their claims of launching a successful film and TV career. That’s where we come in, with all the facts and figures to help decide which competitions and fellowships are right for you and your script.
The Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting
Put on by the folks that host the Academy Awards, this is, hands down, the most prestigious fellowship for film writers looking to make a name for themselves. Unlike most of the other competitions on this list, however, not everyone can apply. As of 2025, the program has exclusive partnerships with certain global university programs, screenwriting labs, and filmmaker programs in order to identify potential Nicholl fellows. One of those partners? The Black List, an industry-recognized platform where anyone can submit their script for evaluation. The site serves as the “portal for public submissions” for Nicholl fellowships, and “will recommend up to 25 feature screenplays for further consideration by the Academy.” If that’s your work, you may find yourself among company like 2010 Nicholl fellow Destin Daniel Cretton, creator of Marvel’s “Wonder Man” and director of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”
Final Draft’s Big Break Screenwriting Contest
Perhaps the most well-known program on our list, Final Draft—the screenwriting software company—puts on its Big Break competition yearly, and its winners have gone on to have their scripts optioned, sign with management/agents, and so much more. Big Break has real success stories and top-tier talent on the judges’ panel. In 2026, that includes reps from prestigious companies like Heroes and Villains Entertainment and Bellevue Productions, as well as execs from HBO Max and Hasbro Entertainment.
Sundance Institute
The Sundance Institute—yes, as in the organization that puts on the Sundance Film Festival—has several incredible opportunities for artists, including labs, fellowships, grants, and other programs designed to foster the careers of writers, producers, and directors. There are specific opportunities for women filmmakers, Indigenous storytellers, aspiring producers, television writers, and more. And Sundance has chosen some successful participants: Past lab winners in the Episodic Program include Katori Hall and her acclaimed series “P-Valley,” as well as Barry Jenkins and his miniseries “The Underground Railroad”—both were involved in the 2014 lab.
Paramount Writers Mentoring Program
The Nickelodeon Writing Program might be on hold, but the writing program hosted by its parent company, Paramount, is a really solid second option. Now in its 21st year (and free to apply), the PWMP is an eight-month long intensive for television writers, which allows participants “targeted mentorship and engagement opportunities with creative teams developing content across Paramount’s ecosystem, including CBS Network, CBS Studios, Paramount Television Studios, Nickelodeon and more.”
Film Independent Screenwriting Lab
Noted nonprofit arts organization Film Independent—which you might recognize from its yearly Spirit Awards—puts on an acclaimed, two-week intensive designed to encourage and foster the careers of independently minded creatives. Though the application is quite robust (a cover letter! an artist’s statement! a completed script! and more!), the Screenwriting Lab pairs its fellows with “a creative adviser, with whom they’ll work one-on-one and in group sessions to further develop their project over the course of the program.” The program also involves a litany of guest speakers and a final pitch event that provides individualized feedback and discussion with industry executives.
Script Pipeline
Script Pipeline has several writer-centric contests from which to choose, whether you have a feature, TV pilot, or just a super-solid pitch. The company focuses on guiding winners and finalists toward the right people, resulting in over $8 million in script sales. That includes winner Evan Daugherty, who met his management through Script Pipeline before selling 2012’s “Snow White and the Huntsman” to Universal Pictures for $3.5 million, one of the most substantial spec deals in Hollywood history.
Slamdance Screenplay Competition
This competition, in conjunction with the Slamdance Film Festival, has been around for nearly 30 years, with many of its winners going on to have their work optioned and/or gain representation from agents and managers. Projects can be film, television, or shorts—and there’s even a separate category/competition for thriller and horror scripts for all the genre enthusiasts out there. And though the submission fee is on the higher end (and dependent upon page length), every single one gets personalized feedback, which is in and of itself a reason to enter.
Are there other competitions out there? Absolutely, and just because they aren’t on this list doesn’t necessarily mean they’re inherently “bad.” It’s important to figure out what your goals are and research accordingly. If the program lists its bona fides, and the people involved have worked on things you enjoy or just match your screenwriting vibe, by all means, apply! What’s important is that they can back up their claims of career-building opportunities with people in the industry who have an actual track record. Now, get back to writing!
