Shiny Awards
22nd Sep 2026
Saatchi & Saatchi, Los Angeles
Following the success of Shiny’s first USA and Canada Awards in New York, the Shiny Awards are coming to Los Angeles for the first time.
Hosted by Saatchi & Saatchi LA, this US edition will bring together directors, producers, agencies and creatives for an evening celebrating the most exciting emerging directing talent.
Created to champion bold new voices and distinctive creative perspectives, Shiny Awards Los Angeles will screen outstanding short-form work while connecting emerging directors with the global commercial production industry.
As with every Shiny event, diversity remains central: at least 70% of the work screened will be directed by filmmakers from under-represented backgrounds.
ENTRIES CLOSED
Tuesday 22 September 2026
Saatchi & Saatchi LA
555 South Aviation Blvd, Suite 100, El Segundo, CA 90245
SPONSORS & PRIZES •
SPONSORS & PRIZES •
Our partners support emerging directors through practical craft sessions, industry insight, representation and career-building opportunities.
Three winners will be announced at the Awards. Each will receive a one-to-one mentoring session with the Saatchi & Saatchi LA judge who selects them, alongside the prizes below.
ANNUAL SPONSORS
PRIZE One day of complimentary colour grading or sound design with Creative Outpost.
PRIZE Non-exclusive worldwide representation with Global Production Network.
EVENT SPONSORS
PRIZE A one-to-one mentoring session with a Saatchi & Saatchi LA judge. Each of the three winners receives a session.
PRIZE A one-hour career mentoring session with Attila Horvath, founder.
PRIZES All shortlisted directors win a critically acclaimed Commercial Directing Masterclass course with Commercial Directing Film School. One of the winners will receive the full suite of Courses.
PRIZE A one-hour Ask Me Anything session with Diplomat, offering practical advice on the US commercial market.
PRIZE A complimentary colour grade with Wild Island Films.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PRIZES •
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PRIZES •
SANDRA LUCIANO - Group Creative Director, Saatchi & Saatchi
STEPHEN ESTRADA - Senior Content Producer, Saatchi & Saatchi
ROBYN STERN - Creative Director Saatchi & Saatchi
JULIA WEICHINGER - Owner & MD, Global Production Network
DANNY ETHERINGTON - Co-Founder & Managing Director, Creative Outpost
RACHEL ANDERSON - Managing Partner, Wild Island Films
JORDAN BRADY - Founder, True Gent & Commercial Directing
LAUREN SCHUCHMAN - Owner, DIPLOMAT
ATTILA HORVATH Founder, Abroad Films
JURY •
JURY •
The Shiny Awards continue to be one of the leading global platforms for emerging directors entering the commercial industry, with winners selected by a jury of leading production companies, agencies and creative studios.
In alphabetical order! Here are the judges deciding the shortlist for the LA Shiny Awards at Saatchi
Allison Smith, Executive Producer: Synthetic Pictures
Becca Falborn, CEO & Founder/President: Little Bird Rep
Bernardo Marentes, Head of Creative & Partner: Caravan
Brandee Probasco, Managing Partner: papercut
Candice Dragonas, VP of Talent: PRETTYBIRD
Dave Campbell, Director's Agent: Rogue Rep
Enrique De la Garza, CG Supervisor: Frame48
Geoffrey Walker, Executive Producer: PRETTYBIRD
Greg Bassenian, Founder / Executive Producer: Aris
James “JMP” Pereira, Partner & Director: Sorry, Ain’t Sorry
Jon Muedder, Founder, President & EP: Caravan
Justin Corsbie, Founding Director: Synthetic Pictures
Katie Theobalds, Music Supervisor: Storefront Music
Leah Bohl, Director & Content Production: Team One
Luiza Loures, Producer: Let It Rip Pictures
Marc Whitaker, Founder / EP: Maverick Media Group
Matt Nelson, MD: Storefront Music
Megan Murphree, Senior Executive Producer: Epoch
Melissa Culligan, Partner, Managing & EP: Epoch
Michael Tamburrino, Head of Production: Whiskey Bear
Motoki Tomatsu, Owner / Producer: Mt. MELVIL
Mzonke Maloney, Director: Let It Rip Pictures
Najeeb Tarazi, Director: Outsider
Renato Carone, Visual Effects Supervisor: Electric Theatre Collective
Steve Mapp, Director: Snapper
Sverre Gundhus, Executive Producer: Good Company
Tanya Ferguson, Head of Production & EP: Untold Studios
Thomas Arnell, Partner & Director & DoP: Sorry, Ain’t Sorry
Tomek Kulesza, EP & Founder: Let It Rip Pictures
Winston Macdonald, Founder: Vagrants
Yvette Mallory, Rep: Feel Films / Yvette Reps