The Always Late TV Movie Awards returns March 21 & 22, 2026 to the Hatheway Cultural Center at Lewis & Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois. Two packed days of screenings, red carpet moments, live improv, and an awards show that actually gives a damn about independent filmmakers. Submissions from all over the world. No industry politics. Just movies that deserve to be seen.
Every filmmaker who submits to the Always Late TV Movie Awards gets full feedback after the festival wraps. You’ll receive scorecards from every judge, personal notes from our festival director, and a full breakdown of your overall score. Plus, we track your achievements across every year you submit, building a record of your entire journey with us.
Every film screens on the big screen inside our comfortable, fully equipped, lavish theater. Local indie projects share the spotlight with films from across the country and around the world. You never know what you’ll discover, but you’ll see it the way it was meant to be seen.
We bring in live improv performers who take the stage and make it up as they go. The audience throws out suggestions, and they run with it.
We run a full red carpet before the awards. Filmmakers, cast, crew, and even guests can get their photos taken. It’s open to everyone who wants their moment before the big show.
Our awards show is fully produced with stage lighting, music, video packages, and presenters. We bring out hosts, hand out trophies, and hear from the winners. There are laughs, real moments, and speeches you won’t forget.
We hand out 24 awards, including our two new categories: Best Feature Adventure and Best Short Adventure for sci-fi, fantasy, and action films. Filmmakers pay one submission fee and are considered for every award they qualify for. If your film scores high enough, it will be in the running for every category it belongs in. You do not have to pay extra to be considered for multiple awards because we do not believe in charging you more.
Submit your film today. The deadline is December 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM. Get it in and be part of the 2026 Always Late TV Movie Awards!