American Cinema Editors has created a new award category for its annual Eddie Awards.
For the first time, it will accept submissions from YouTube and other digital platforms for best edited short. Eligible submissions include theatrical short films (such as those eligible for Oscar consideration); original short-form content made specifically for digital platforms; and narrative, documentary, animation, and experimental works.
While some short films receive limited theatrical distribution, most are watched online today.
“This is not about catching up to a trend. It’s about planting our flag and saying: ACE is committed to leading the way into what’s next—without ever losing sight of where we came from,” “This is not about catching up to a trend,” said ACE Executive Director Jenni McCormick in a statement.
ACE has also broadened eligibility for all of its existing competitive categories to include work released exclusively on platforms like YouTube.
Additionally, ACE will present YouTube with the ACE Award for Creative Innovation. The 76th Annual ACE Eddie Awards are set for Friday, February 27, 2026 at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
“YouTube has radically expanded the boundaries of who can tell stories and how those stories reach audiences,” said Anita Brandt-Burgoyne, ACE, chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee. “This award celebrates its role in democratizing visual storytelling and inspiring a new generation of editors.”
