Submissions · Cycle 2026
Submissions Open NowSubmit Your Holiday Work for HMFA Consideration.
Submissions open July 27, 2026 and close August 20, 2026, leading up to our holiday-season ceremony. Enter your music, film, or music in film and join a season-long celebration of the work that makes the holidays unforgettable.
Submissions Are Now Open
Closing Deadline
August 20, 2026
Time Remaining to Submit
How it works
Four steps from your work to the stage.
Choose a category
Pick the bucket that fits your work — music, film, or music in film. Each opens a tailored wizard.
Prepare your work
Gather your files or streaming links, credits, release details, and a short statement on the holiday theme.
Submit your entry
Complete the entry form and confirm rights and eligibility. Every category requires a paid entry fee — Film $35, Music $5 per song, and Music in Film $15.
Track your status
Receive a confirmation, then follow your entry from review to nominee and winner announcements.
Before you submit
What to prepare.
Files & links
High-quality audio/video files or private streaming links (Vimeo, YouTube unlisted). Stills and artwork where applicable.
Eligibility
Work must be released or publicly performed within the eligibility window for the current cycle.
Holiday theme
Entries should authentically connect to the holiday season — in story, score, song, or performance.
Rights & permissions
You must hold or have clearance for all rights necessary to submit, exhibit, and promote the work.
Eligibility window
Varies by category
Music: June 30, 2024 to July 9, 2026; Film and Music in Film: January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025.
Submissions Open
July 27, 2026
Ceremony
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Jacksonville, FL
Deadlines
Key dates for the 2026 cycle.
The milestones for the 2026 Holiday Music & Film Awards®. Submissions close at 11:59 PM ET on August 20, 2026.
Submissions open July 27, 2026 and close August 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. Nominees are announced August 24, 2026 (subject to change). The awards ceremony is Saturday, November 14, 2026 in Jacksonville, FL.
July 27, 2026
Entries open for the 2026 cycle.
August 20, 2026
Closes at 11:59 PM ET.
August 24, 2026
Announcement date is subject to change.
November 14, 2026
Jacksonville, FL.
Every category requires a paid entry fee — Film $35.00, Music $5.00 per song, and Music in Film $15.00 — shown before you submit. Payment is handled in a future phase — start your entry now, and an organizer will follow up with PayPal payment details. No payment is collected here yet.
The fine print
Rules & guidelines.
A quick read before you enter. These keep judging fair and the season honest. Questions we don't answer here? Our team is one message away.
Contact the submissions team →Holiday Music & Film Awards® · PO BOX 550944, Jacksonville FL 32255 · info@holidaymusicandfilmawards.com · 904-634-8836
The Holiday Music and Film Awards® (HMFA) celebrates outstanding holiday films that inspire joy, bring families together, and capture the spirit of the season.
Winners are selected by the Independent Advisory Committee (IAC), a distinguished panel of filmmakers, producers, and directors. Through a thoughtful process of nominations, scoring, and discussion, the committee recognizes films that exemplify excellence in holiday storytelling.
Special Honors
- Golden Star Award — Presented to a holiday film that demonstrates exceptional artistry, storytelling, and production excellence.
- Holiday Spirit Award — Honors a film that uplifts, inspires, and brings people together through the magic of the holiday season.
- Heart of Christmas Award — Recognizes the film that best captures the essence of family, faith, humor, and adventure.
Dates & Eligibility
Film eligibility period: January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025. The HMFA eligibility period covers the preceding two years. Previously submitted entries are not eligible. To be eligible, a film must have been publicly released through television and/or streaming platforms between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025. Please note: the Golden Star Award, Holiday Spirit Award, and Heart of Christmas Award are exempt from the standard eligibility requirements.
Submission Dates
- Submissions Open: July 27, 2026
- Submission Deadline: August 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET
Changes to Entries
- Once submitted, films cannot be withdrawn or removed from consideration.
- Updates: submit@holidaymusicandfilmawards.com
Winners
- Producers and Directors: Official HMFA Trophy
- Actors and Actresses: Official HMFA Trophy
- Technical Category Winners: Official HMFA Laurel
Nominees Announcement
The official list of nominees is scheduled to be announced on August 24, 2026. Please note: the nominees announcement date is subject to change.
Questions or inquiries: admin@holidaymusicandfilmawards.com