Film Category Awards
Films entered into the Golden Lion Film Festival have the possibility of winning the following awards:
- Golden Lion Award. Student films that win a Golden Lion award have achieved the highest score in their category. Films are recognized with a Golden Lion Trophy.
- White Lion Award. Student films that win a White Lion award have a achieved the second highest score in their category. Films are recognized with a White Lion Plaque.
- Mountain Lion Award. Student films that win a Mountain Lion award have a achieved the third highest score in their category. Films are recognized with a Mountain Lion Plaque.
- Finalist Award. Student films that move onto the Finalist Round but do not receive one of the above awards, receive a Finalist Certificate.
Special Recognition Awards
At the conclusion of the festival, judges vote on the special recognition awards. Films that are recognized in these categories receive a Gold Lion Special Recognition Award Trophy as well as a scholarship from Watkins College of Art, Design and Film:
- Best Cinematography. This award recognizes student films that demonstrate excellent camera work and film techniques.
- Best Original Screenplay. This award recognizes outstanding student work in character development, setting, and storytelling.
- Most Inspirational. This award recognizes student films that inspire us to be better students, citizens, and people.
- Critics’ Choice. This award recognizes student films that show overall excellence in both Technical and Content Quality.