The Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2025 (SSFF & ASIA), Asia’s largest international short film festival officially recognized by the U.S. Academy Awards®, held its Award and Red Carpet Ceremony on June 11, 2025, at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA in Tokyo. This prestigious event marked the culmination of a season that saw 4,592 submissions from 108 countries and regions, showcasing the global reach and influence of the festival.
From this vast selection, five outstanding short films were chosen as Oscar-qualifying contenders for the 2026 Academy Awards® in categories such as Live Action (International, Asia International, Japan), Non-Fiction, and Animation. In total, 13 awards were presented during the ceremony, celebrating innovation, storytelling, and emerging talent across a wide range of themes and styles.
This year’s Grand Prix, the George Lucas Award, was awarded to 破れたパンティーストッキング (Torn Pantyhose) by Fabian Munsty-Jaam. Other major winners included 燃夜 (Burning Night) by Dímon Wong for Best Asia International Short and the Governor of Tokyo Award, 逆さまの天才 (Upside-down Genius) by Ryōtarō Nishi for Best Japan Short and the Governor of Tokyo Award, and 塀の中で (Inside the Walls) by Nathan Faygan for Best Non-Fiction Short. The Best Animation Short went to 夏の白夜 (Summer Polar Night) by Luke Angus, while GAIJIN by Michele Motzo earned the Cinematic Tokyo Award. The U-25 Project Best Short Award was presented to 楽しいバレンタイン・デー (Fun Valentine’s Day) by Kyū Shibata. Additional honors included the Global Spotlight Award, the Shibuya Diversity Award, the HOPPY HAPPY Award, and accolades from the Kodansha Cinema Creators Lab.
New categories introduced in 2025 included the CyberAgent Vertical Award and the Saishin Award supported by CRG, both selecting inaugural recipients and underscoring the festival’s evolving recognition of emerging formats and fresh perspectives.
The red carpet ceremony was graced by a host of prominent Japanese celebrities and creatives. Notable attendees included actresses Juri Ueno and Manami Konishi, JO1’s Shōsei Ōhira, and actor Ryōhei Odai. Actress Moeko Hoshi, who has gained international recognition through her role in the FX/Hulu historical drama Shōgun, also made a special appearance. VIP guests Mika Kano and actor Shōgen joined the celebration, adding further star power to the evening. One of the most heartwarming moments came from festival ambassador LiLiCo, who walked the carpet with her husband Ryōhei Odai. When photographers requested a couples pose, Odai playfully wrapped his arm around LiLiCo’s, drawing laughter and smiles from the audience.
The 2025 edition of the festival ran from April 24 to June 30, combining in-person screenings in Tokyo with online offerings via the SSFF & ASIA Online Grand Theatre. With the theme “Creative, Active, Generative,” the festival encouraged filmmakers to address topics ranging from family and relationships to identity, technology, and social change. A notable trend was the emergence of AI-driven storytelling, with 275 films incorporating artificial intelligence into their creative process, reflecting the growing intersection of cinema and technology.
Audiences still have time to enjoy many of the selected and award-winning short films online through June 30, 2025, via the official SSFF & ASIA streaming platform.
Official Links:
Festival Website: https://www.shortshorts.org
The full ceremony is archived and available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/EU6OFLcMxrA?si=mYwJWjksmvg8XlMn
Award List (Japanese): https://shortshorts.org/2025/news/news-20250611/
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