The 2026 Tribeca Competition has revealed this 12 months’s competitors award winners, with prime prizes going to the movies Cotton Fever, Labrador – Post-mortem of Silence and Jail Time Information within the U.S. narrative, worldwide narrative and documentary sections, respectively.
Labrador – Post-mortem of Silence and Jail Time Information every received two extra awards. Labrador was additionally acknowledged with finest efficiency in a world narrative characteristic for Christopher Angatookalook and finest cinematography.
Jail Time Information additionally received finest cinematography within the documentary competitors class and the Albert Maysles Award for finest new documentary director.
Different winners embody Summer season of Three‘s Marcel Ruiz, Paolo Schoene and Kiki Montilla, who have been acknowledged with finest efficiency in a U.S. narrative characteristic.
Summer season of Three additionally received finest screenplay within the U.S. narrative competitors and Cotton Fever received finest cinematography in a U.S. narrative characteristic.
“This year’s award winners embody the spirit of Tribeca: fearless work that crosses borders, expands the form, and reveals the power of storytelling to uncover humanity in unexpected places,” Tribeca Festival director and senior vp programming Cara Cusumano stated in an announcement. “As we celebrate our 25th year, these artists remind us that powerful stories do more than entertain, they deepen our empathy, broaden our perspective, and bring us closer together.”
Choose class winners acquired a Tribeca Competition artwork award from a choice of artists led by curator Zoe Lukov. Supported by Chanel, the artists donated to honored filmmakers.
Winners of the Viewers Award, decided by votes all through the Competition, can be introduced at a later date.
The twenty fifth Tribeca Competition, which kicked off on June 3, runs by June 14 in New York.
A whole record of this 12 months’s winners and particular jury mentions, together with jury statements for every mission honored, as chosen by the 2026 competition jury follows.
U.S. NARRATIVE COMPETITION
Founders Award for Finest U.S. Narrative Characteristic Sponsored by OKX: Cotton Fever, Director Daniel Blake Schwartz (United States) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “This film is a well-crafted, well-told, heartbreaking exploration of addiction and the difficulties of escaping its damaging effects. It explores a deep love in the midst of self-destruction, lack of shelter, criminality and co-dependency issues.”
Particular Jury Point out for Finest U.S. Narrative Characteristic: Right here I’m Alive, Director Joshua Z Weinstein (United States) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “One film stood out for diving deep into subcultures that are rarely explored. The film creates a series of sensitive portraits of people with unique points of view – alienation, loneliness, internet addiction, looksmaxxing, and desire for instant fame.”
Finest Efficiency in a U.S. Narrative Characteristic: Marcel Ruiz, Paolo Schoene, and Kiki Montilla for Summer season of Three (Puerto Rico) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “This entertaining film felt so lived-in. The actors are warm, charismatic, and emotionally present. We fell in love with all three actors and wanted to jump on the back of the motorcycle and careen across Puerto Rico with them.”
Finest Screenplay in a U.S. Narrative Characteristic: Carlitos Ruiz-Ruiz, Marcel Ruiz, and Mariana S. Belaval for Summer season of Three (Puerto Rico) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “This film manages to be equal parts soulful and entertaining even as it explores deep themes of cultural identity, friendship, family, forgiveness, mortality, tragedy, and grief.”
Finest Cinematography in a U.S. Narrative Characteristic: Tom Acton Fitzgerald for Cotton Fever (United States) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “In a film full of deep emotions, the cinematography was naturalistic, gritty, and ultimately poetic. It invites the audience to experience a painterly version of harsh reality.”
INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE COMPETITION
Finest Worldwide Narrative Characteristic: Labrador – Post-mortem of Silence, Director Rodrigue Jean (Canada) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “An intriguing film that unanimously rose to the top. It is confidently crafted, spiritually mindful, and touched us deeply while immersing us in its haunting story and unique world.”
Finest Efficiency in an Worldwide Narrative Characteristic: Christopher Angatookalook for Labrador – Post-mortem of Silence (Canada) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “His soulful portrayal of emotional solitude blew us away and we imagine this award is just one of many to come.”
Particular Jury Point out for Finest Efficiency in an Worldwide Characteristic: Duda Santos & Mc Nem for Funk (Brazil) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “Two actresses who impressed us with their incredible energy and dynamism in a film that shows a fresh side of favelas on screen, by way of music and dance. And a special shout out to their costumes, too!”
Finest Screenplay in an Worldwide Narrative Characteristic: Alex Camilleri for Zejtune (Malta, Germany, Qatar) – North American Premiere. Jury Assertion: “A film about reclaiming, reconnection, and preserving history as well as music. Not only did the writing manage to pull us into a world we on the jury hadn’t been before but it supported the brilliant performances of its leads and allowed them to shine.”
Finest Cinematography in an Worldwide Narrative Characteristic: Mathieu Laverdière for Labrador – Post-mortem of Silence (Canada) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “A film whose imagery convinced us we, too, were aboard a claustrophobic cargo freighter out on the vast, frigid ocean. His lens deftly managed the contrast between these stark cold environs and the warmth behind the eyes of its breakout performer.”
DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
Finest Documentary Characteristic: Jail Time Information, Administrators Dione Roach and Steve Happi (Cameroon, United States) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “Every so often a captivating, unexpected film comes out of the blue that simply demands to be seen, and this one is truly unforgettable. This film is the jaw-dropping story of a music recording studio built within the confines of an overcrowded prison in Cameroon, Central Africa, that gives incarcerated individuals an outlet for creative expression. The film is an undeniable statement about the transformational power of music, as we witness young artists find their voices under the most improbable circumstances. The stunning cinematography, remarkable intimacy, and bravura formal execution of the film are incredible to behold, to say nothing of the music itself, which is absolutely banging. This film is a cry to be heard from the depths of incarceration, and we are listening.”
Particular Jury Point out for Finest Documentary Characteristic: Time Warp, Director Allison Berg (United States) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “In a film that is both propulsive, hopeful, irreverent, and heartbreaking, a small, conservative town rallies around the dreams of its youth to bring an LGBTQ theater performance to life. The intimacy, care and skill shown in the craft make this the film the world needs to see right now – a film about radical love, community and the courage of the LGBTQ+ community against tremendous odds.”
Finest Cinematography in a Documentary Characteristic: Dione Roach, Urberto Rapisardi, and Steve Happi for Jail Time Information (Cameroon, United States) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “The cinematography in this film is vivid and stunning, characterized by fluid camerawork that effortlessly glides around a dynamic, chaotic environment with balletic precision and style to burn. There are sequences throughout the film that seem nearly impossible to have captured, providing a rich palette that matches the incredible energy and creativity of its subjects.”
Particular Jury Point out for Finest Cinematography in a Documentary Characteristic: Lukas Intestine for Siege of Paradise (Eire, Switzerland) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “In this film, set on a pristine coast of a small town overwhelmed by tourism, the cinematography is our guide. The serious message of change and time leaving behind culture and tradition is handled lightly but impactfully, denoting a location where time is both the hero and the villain. The beautifully framed camera work transports the viewer to this gorgeous vista, immersing us in the sights, colors and textures of this timeless place, now under threat.”
Finest Modifying in a Documentary Characteristic: Rebecca Adorno and Viridiana Lieberman for Jean-Michel (United Kingdom) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “A devastating portrait of a brilliant artist that explores the complexity of the person behind his art, expertly putting his extraordinary body of work into context and unveiling the mind of a haunted genius. The pacing and nuanced editing echo and mirror the intense psychology of his paintings.”
Particular Jury Point out for Finest Modifying in a Documentary Characteristic: Christopher A. Peterson and Peter Norrey for American Zoo (United Kingdom) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “A searing account of an idyllic, joyful community space with a dark secret, the craft of editing weaves together a complex, dramatic, historical narrative from found, archival, shot footage and interviews. The result is a film both gripping and heartbreaking which stays with the viewer long after.”
VIEWPOINTS AWARD
Crocodile, Director The Critics and Pietra Brettkelly (Nigeria, New Zealand) – North American Premiere. Jury Assertion: “This film beautifully captures both the courage and perseverance required to be an artist, illuminating the risks, sacrifices, and unwavering belief it takes to pursue one’s dreams. Through their work, these remarkable young filmmakers remind us that the arts are not simply a means of expression, but a way of living truthfully and authentically in the world. Drawing from both dreams and reality, they created something joyful, inventive, and deeply original—a work that delights the imagination while speaking to the power of creativity itself. What moved us most was the extraordinary maturity, generosity of spirit, and sense of possibility that shines through every frame. In celebrating the transformative power of art, this team crafted a film that inspired, surprised, and filled us with hope.”
Particular Jury Point out for Viewpoints Award: Sarah Karei for One Girl One Bra (Kenya, Nigeria) – North American Premiere. Jury Assertion: “One of the most heartbreaking and powerful performances we have seen in some time. This actress astonishes as a woman who has been abandoned by her family and community and stands alone in a world that has turned its back on her.”
BEST NEW NARRATIVE DIRECTOR AWARD
Miiku Sakanishi for Memorizu (Japan) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “This is a film about the ability to create an extraordinary depth of pure emotion through images and how they meet. This is also the great gift he bestows on the audience. From the very first shots, we are taken in by an unpretentious filmmaker completely clear in his intention, someone who trusts both himself and us. He bravely tells a small, precise story, taking risks in narrative, rhythm, and voice in order to achieve something cinematic, capacious and lasting. This is coupled by beautiful writing that deeply understands both the family condition he is observing so intimately and the society within which the story is set. This director has made something completely modern and devoid of cliché, taking us to the heart of the matter. Watching the movie, we all felt, ‘Let me have a life where I can receive these feelings.’”
Particular Jury Point out, Finest New Narrative Director: Elisee Junior St. Preux for The Tropic Solar and His Eyes (Haiti) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “This selection is a ravishing portrait of three things at once: our troubled main character, his beautiful new friendship with a younger boy, and the island of Haiti itself. It is this last depiction that moved us deeply. With the pulse of cinema, inventive shooting, and the guidance of two well-drawn characters, we understood the feeling of the Haitian sun on our backs.”
ALBERT MAYSLES AWARD FOR BEST NEW DOCUMENTARY DIRECTOR
Dione Roach and Steve Happi for Jail Time Information (Cameroon, United States) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “For a filmmaker, access is everything — but the craft is what we do with it. This film reminds us that documentary starts with humanity and takes us on a journey to discover a new world. The film expertly articulates how to tell a story using every tool of our craft, leaving no tool unused. The visuals, the sound, and the restraint are all put to work with precision and intention. It makes clear that artistry and humanity can flourish from the most unexpected places and from the deepest corners. It is a feat of verité documentary filmmaking and a force of storytelling.”
Particular Jury Point out, Albert Maysles Award: Natalie Baszile and Hyacinth Parker for Harvest (United States) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “This award goes to a film that introduced us to a story that impacts us all in ways we wouldn’t necessarily expect. It made us fall in love with its participants in the most intimate way. Documentaries can tell a story with a beauty we would never have discovered on our own. It humanizes a topic we so often miss, hidden in plain view. We feel lucky to have spent time with these people—and we are better for having walked alongside them.”
NORA EPHRON AWARD
The Nora Ephron Award will honor an distinctive feminine filmmaker who represents the spirit and imaginative and prescient of the legendary filmmaker and author.
Dina Duma for Skateboarding Is Not for Ladies (North Macedonia, Belgium, Slovenia, Croatia) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “Nora Ephron represents why having a distinct femme voice within a patriarchal world can open the door for so many others. Ephron’s work often asked the question: how do women survive in a hostile world? Our selection for the winner of this award answers that question in many ways. This film is at once lyrical and political, touching and authentic, heart-breaking and heart-warming, while also being infused with joy and humor. By giving a voice to the voiceless, Dina Duma invites us into a distinct, deeply human experience by offering audiences specific characters that celebrate solidarity and family.”
SHORTS COMPETITION
Finest Narrative Quick: 32B, Director Mohamed Taher (Egypt) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “Both expansive and specific in its storytelling, with a driving narrative and palpable emotion, this father-daughter love story is a love story itself to pushing through discomfort to show up when a child needs you.”
Particular Jury Point out, Narrative Quick: So, Increase, Director Abby Pierce (United States) – New York Premiere. Jury Assertion: “As with the best of the genre, this comedy is charged by genuine stakes — all with a realism that can only be achieved by a storyteller drawing from their personal experience.”
Finest Documentary Quick: Hear, Director Taliesin Black Brown (United States) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “Aptly titled, our selection for Best Documentary Short is a technical masterpiece. It expertly uses the marriage of arresting sound design and beautiful cinematography to force the viewer to stop, listen, and consider our mortality and relationship with the natural world. The dedication to craftsmanship without sacrificing a personal and heartful narrative elevates it into reverberating far beyond its runtime.”
Particular Jury Point out, Documentary Quick: The Baddest Speechwriter of All, Administrators Ben Proudfoot and Stephen Curry (United States) – New York Premiere. Jury Assertion: “A documentary short that is highly engaging and excellently made, bringing an under-sung civil rights icon into a much-deserved spotlight. The mixed-format use of animation and dynamic editing elevate the viewing experience, while the interviews with the late Dr. Clarence B Jones, a natural storyteller, are gripping all on their own.”
Finest Animated Quick: Violet and Marlowe Rob a Financial institution, Director Wesley Wang (United States) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “Compact even for a short, this action-packed 3-minute film conveys a complete and heartbreaking story about the oppressed making their own rules — all while barely saying a word.”
Particular Jury Point out, Animated Quick: Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe, Director Andrea Szelesová (Czech Republic, Slovakia) – North American Premiere. Jury Assertion: “Sweeping and grand in its ambitions, this short takes on a tall order: quickly establishing a full world that dances from one group of characters to the next as it oscillates from action to emotion — all while remaining centered on the film’s beating heart, a young protagonist finding his place in the world (or heavens, more accurately).”
Finest New York Quick: Inadequate Fare, Administrators Michael Gugger and Varvara Kanellakopoulou (United States) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “The jury’s selection for the inaugural Best New York Short captures the texture, humor, and spirit of New York City through an object that has quietly witnessed generations of city life. Both funny and nostalgic, the film celebrates the beloved MetroCard while acknowledging a city that is constantly evolving. ”
Finest Music Video: “Fingers Crossed” – The Moth & The Flame, Director Rebecca Thomas (United States) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “Represents an ideal marriage of sound and image, each elevating the other to create a portrait of optimism in the face of uncertainty. The director provides a high-energy visual experience that reflects the hopefulness of The Moth & The Flame’s song, while leaving space for thematic interpretation by the viewer.”
Scholar Visionary Award: Discovered&Misplaced, Director Reza Rasouli (Austria) – New York Premiere. Jury Assertion: “Within the first moments of this film, the director’s command of visual language is unmistakable. The ability to convey the high stakes of Syrian immigrants’ experience in Austria through the details and rhythms of everyday life is emotionally gripping. The use of music to inject moments of levity into the story’s tension is particularly effective, creating a layered emotional balance without diminishing the stakes.”
TRIBECA GAMES AWARD
There are No Ghosts on the Grand, Administrators Anil Glendinning and Rachel Glendinning (United Kingdom) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “From the very first line of dialogue, this project establishes a personality so confident and distinctive that it would stand out among 1,000 games – let alone 12. Its bizarre, funny, and even charmingly unsettling ideas offer an irresistible sense of fun that exemplifies what can happen when bold creative vision meets thoughtful craftsmanship. The team has achieved a remarkable balance between gameplay precision and tonally-consistent goofiness, and every artistic discipline – sound, music, visuals, performances – demonstrates exceptional quality and attention to detail. What makes this achievement especially outstanding is that despite its high level of polish and clear ambition, it never loses the clear heart, soul, and creative spirit that define independent game development at its best.”
TRIBECA PODCASTS COMPETITION
Audio Nonfiction Reporting Award: The Quickest Lady in Somalia, Director Teresa Krug (United States) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “For its compelling characters and its stellar sense of place, its exciting pace that propels us to want to listen to the next episode.”
Audio Fiction Award: THE DOUBLE[S], Administrators Winnie Kemp and Alexander Kemp (United States) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “With its sardonic vision, sound design, and satire, this show names the social anxieties of our time and wrestles with the struggles of identity.”
Audio Investigative Nonfiction Award: The Most Needed Olympian, Director Michelle Shephard (Canada) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “For its layered and propulsive storytelling, richly developed characters, excellent use of archival tape and sound design, and cultural timeliness, this series stands out as an exceptional piece of investigative journalism.”
Audio Memoir Award: Reaching Out, Director Sayre Quevedo (United States) – World Premiere. Jury Assertion: “This piece stood out for its ambition, searing honesty, exceptional writing and exploration of the audio form. The piece’s form is not merely a vehicle for the piece but also an expression of it, resulting in a resonant story of the search for identity that leaves the listener wanting more.”
AT&T PRESENTS UNTOLD STORIES
Sid Gopinath, Aditya Joshi and Alifya Ali for Minnesota Goodbye
TRIBECA X AWARD COMPETITION
Finest Characteristic: Meal Ticket from McDonald’s
Finest Quick: The Guide of George from Stio
Finest Business: Final Coke within the Desert from Coca-Cola
Finest Business Honorable Point out: : Bang Bang from Secure Faculty Las Vegas
Finest Episodic: Constructed to Transfer from Autodesk
Finest Episodic Honorable Point out: Companions from Carvana
Finest Content material Creator/Influencer: The Grasp of Velocity & Stability from Beats
Finest Audio/Podcast: To Catch a Thief: China’s Rise to Cyber Supremacy from Rubrik
Social Affect Award: The Philipstown WireCar Grand Prix from Accenture / Philipstown WireCar Co.
Environmental Affect Award: The Principle of Spice from Yogi Tea
Director of the Yr: A$AP Rocky
