Award Nominees Announced!
We are thrilled to announce the 2026 Salem Film Fest jury award nominees! This year's selection features films recognized for their powerful storytelling and cinematic excellence.
In a unique tradition of Salem Film Fest, winners in each category will be awarded original handmade trophies created by artists based in Salem. These awards not only honor the filmmakers' achievements but also celebrate the collaboration between the film fest and the local art community. As we celebrate the nominated films and the visionaries behind them, we aim to spotlight the talent and creativity that mark the highlights of this year's Salem Film Fest!
Image: FIUME O MORTE!
SPECIAL JURY AWARD
Selected by a jury composed of documentary industry professionals. Includes $1000 in prize money.
NOMINEES:
FIUME O MORTE!
NUISANCE BEAR
THEYDREAM
TIME AND WATER
TRACES OF HOME
Jurors include: Sara Archambault, Anna Feder, Karthik Pandian, Michael Premo, and Milton Guillen.
Image: CUBA & ALASKA
AWARD FOR JOURNALISM
Awarded to the filmmaker deemed to have best presented a challenging story through engaging and fair minded investigative reportage. Award includes $500 prize in prize money.
NOMINEES:
AMERICAN DOCTOR
CELTIC UPTOPIA
CUBA & ALASKA
ELEPHANTS & SQUIRRELS
TO USE A MOUNTAIN
Jurors include Margo Guernsey, Peter Keough, Zac Manuel, James Sullivan and Nicole Tsien.
Image: JARIPEO
AMERICAN CINEMATOGRAPHER MAGAZINE AWARD
Selected by Stephen Pizzello, editor-in-chief/publisher of the American Society of Cinematographers' monthly magazine.
NOMINEES:
A PLACE OF ABSENCE
AGATHA'S ALMANAC
JARIPEO
NUISANCE BEAR
YOU.SLEEP.STAY.
Image: TRUE NORTH
CULTRERA CUTS EDIT AWARD
Named after SFF co-founder and film editor Joe Cultrera, selected by a panel of documentary film editors.
NOMINEES:
BARBARA FOREVER
FARRUQUITO, A FLAMENCO DYNASTY
NIÑXS
TRUE NORTH
UNLESS SOMETHING GOES TERRIBLY WRONG
Jurors include Nathan Fitch, Loulwa Khoury, Julie Mallozzi, Flavia de Souza, and Sally Wu.
Image: SIMPLY DIVINE
BEST SHORT AWARD
NOMINEES:
COMMUNITY THEATRE
ENTRE LE FEU ET LE CLAIR DE LUNE
PLACEKEEPERS
SIMPLY DIVINE
THE FIRST TIMES
Jurors include Cam Howard, Katherine Irving, and Jenny Miller.
