PORTLAND UNDER THE STARS
2026 AWARDS & NOMINATIONS
Celebrating the filmmakers, screenwriters, and stories
that make Portland Under the Stars unforgettable.
2026 PORTLAND UNDER THE STARS
AWARD NOMINEES
We're proud to recognize the filmmakers and screenwriters whose work has been nominated for this year's Portland Under the Stars awards.
Browse the official nomination graphics to explore every category celebrating outstanding storytelling, filmmaking, performance, and screenwriting.
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Film Awards
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Performance & Special Awards
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Screenplay Awards
Audience Choice Awards will be announced after each screening block, giving audiences the opportunity to recognize the films that moved them most. A festival-wide Audience Choice Award, selected from the entire 2026 program, will be revealed during our Saturday evening Awards Ceremony.
Join us as we celebrate this year’s filmmakers, screenwriters, cast, and crew at McMenamins Mission Theater.
AWARD CATEGORIES
FILM AWARDS
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Best Feature Film
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Best Narrative Short
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Best Comedy
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Best Horror
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Best Documentary
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Best Animation
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Best Music Video
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Best Micro-Short
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Best Student Short
SCREENPLAY AWARDS
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Best Overall Screenplay
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Most Original Screenplay
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Best Narrative Screenplay
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Best Comedy Screenplay
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Best Horror Screenplay
For Feature & Short Screenplays
PERFORMANCE AWARDS
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Best Director
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Best Actor
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Best Actress
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Best Ensemble
SPECIAL AWARDS
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Audience Choice
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Best Portland Film
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Keep Portland Weird
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Most Original Concept
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M. Night Shyamalan (Best Twist)
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Rose City Trailblazer
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Superstar (Best Film)
WHAT MAKES OUR AWARDS SPECIAL
Industry Recognition
Your work is recognized by filmmakers and industry professionals.
Celebrating Independent Film
Every category honors creativity, originality, and storytelling.
Live Awards Ceremony
Receive your award in front of fellow filmmakers and audiences.
Winner Recognition
Professional photos, laurels, and lasting recognition.
Community Celebration
Celebrate alongside the filmmakers who made the festival possible.
More Than a Screening
Expect a full festival experience. Red carpet arrivals, live screenings, filmmaker Q&As, and a closing award ceremony that brings the entire community together. This isn’t a passive viewing—it’s an event.
Submit your film or screenplay and join us for the next edition of Portland Under the Stars.