09 20 Oct '24

Awards

During the festival several awards are presented. Below you can find an overview of the various competitions and prizes.
Award Ceremony 10© Johannes De Bruycker

Official Competition

In 1985, Film Fest Gent held its inaugural feature-length film competition focusing on 'the impact of music on film'. Each year our team of programmers selects 12-15 films in the Official Competition. An international jury then presents the winners of the Grand Prix for Best Film and the Georges Delerue Award for Best Soundtrack or Sound Design.

Winners
Winners
DSC 1215© Jeroen Willems

World Soundtrack Awards

Film Fest Gent closes each year with the prestigious World Soundtrack Awards. These awards honour composers for screen and their work, with the winners being announced at a special gala event.

Winners
Winners
Joseph Plateau Award Hamaguchi 5© Jeroen Willems

Joseph Plateau Honorary Award

The Joseph Plateau Honorary Award - inspired by professor Plateau and his phenakistiscope - is presented to special guests of Film Fest Gent who have left an indelible mark on the history of international filmmaking.

Winners
Winners
Short Film Award Ceremony© Johannes De Bruycker

Best International Short Film Award

The Best International Short Film Award is awarded by an international jury to the best submission to the International Short Film Competition. Fiction, animation, documentary as well as everything that could be considered an 'experiment' is eligible for the award.

Winners
Winners
Short Film Award Ceremony Victor Dupuis copyright Martin Corlazzoli© Martin Corlazzoli

Prize for Best Belgian Student Short

Students from recognised film schools in Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia can compete for the Prize for Best Belgian Student Short, with a value of €5,000. A professional jury will award the prize.

Winners
Winners
Explore Award 6© Martin Corlazzoli

Explore Zone

The Explore Zone jury, composed of young people between 18 and 26 years old, follows a selection of films by and for young people. At the end of the ride, the jury will present the Explore Award.

Winners
Winners
The Old Oak 4© Martin Corlazzoli

Audience Awards

Film Fest Gent wants to know the opinion of the public. After each screening you can show your appreciation for the film with your festival ticket. The most beloved films have a chance at winning the North Sea Port Audience Award and the Canvas Audience Award.

Winners
Winners

Stay up to date, subscribe to our newsletter

Do you want to stay up to date with festival news, our year-round activities, the films and the filmmakers?

Subscribe to our newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter