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Cinema Without Borders: HollyShorts Takes the Oscar Journey from London to Dubai
- Ariel Lavi
- Dec 5, 2025
- 3 min read
For over two decades, the HollyShorts Film Festival has stood as a pillar of independent cinema in Los Angeles, launching careers and championing the short form narrative. But as the industry evolves, so does the need to reach storytellers where they live. In a bold move to decentralize the pathway to the Academy Awards, the festival has embarked on a transcontinental expansion, proving that the road to the Oscars no longer has to start in Hollywood. Following a dazzling second edition in the UK, the festival is now poised to make history in the Middle East.
The journey began last month in London, where the festival’s UK offshoot - now officially rebranded as HollyShorts UK - solidified its place in the British cultural calendar. For the second consecutive year, the event brought a curated lineup of international shorts to central London, culminating in a sold-out awards ceremony that balanced cinematic prestige with high-fashion flair. The red carpet saw the return of Emily in Paris star Arnaud Binard, attending for his second year, alongside notably talented figures like Emma Mackey and Evie Templeton, creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and star-studded.
What set this year’s London edition apart was how seamlessly it blended industry networking with luxury lifestyle elements. The festival partnered with SUSHISAMBA to elevate the standard mixer into a private cocktail hour for nominees and VIPs, merging film community building with stylish dining. The venue also served as the backdrop for high-stakes recognition, presenting the Best International award to Sam Davis, a filmmaker now considered a major contender for an Oscar nomination.
The attention to detail throughout the London events reflected a deep respect for the craft. Winners and honorees toasted with custom, hand-crafted champagne glasses by The Elliance, flutes designed to serve as lasting symbols of the artistry at the festival’s heart. Guests were treated to the visual splendor of Essex Bouqcakes, whose floral cupcakes offered a sweet, artistic flourish to the opening night.
Adding a layer of red-carpet preparation to the proceedings, Cotrini Skincare brought their high-end expertise to the VIP gifting suite. Known for their scientifically refined formulas utilizing Salmon DNA, Cotrini provided the "camera-ready glow" essential for such nights and further supported the creators by presenting the festival’s Best Director award.
With the London chapter successfully closed, the focus shifts immediately to a groundbreaking moment in the Middle East. From December 12 through 14, 2025, the inaugural HollyShorts Dubai will take place, marking the region’s first direct opportunity to participate in an Oscar-qualifying short-film festival. This expansion is more than just a change of scenery; it is a vital new infrastructure for international filmmakers.
HollyShorts Dubai creates a direct bridge between emerging regional voices and the global stage. Winners at this upcoming event will not only gain exposure in the Middle East but will earn a guaranteed screening slot at the 2026 main festival in Hollywood. From there, their work becomes eligible for Academy Award consideration. It is a streamlined ecosystem designed to support diverse perspectives without requiring creators to permanently relocate to Los Angeles to get their foot in the door.
The Dubai edition promises to match the luxury and vibrancy of its host city. The Delano Dubai has been announced as the exclusive host for the opening night reception, cementing a partnership that blends cinema with world-class hospitality. The festivities will kick off at the Delano’s Blue Door restaurant and garden, where the ambiance of beachfront elegance meets the energy of refined nightlife. Against the backdrop of the Arabian Gulf and Bluewaters, filmmakers and sponsors will gather to set the tone for three days of screenings, panels, and awards.
This collaboration with Delano extends beyond a single party. The hotel brand is set to present Oscar-qualifying category awards at the 2026 HollyShorts Film Festival in Los Angeles, symbolizing a long-term commitment to cultural exchange. By bringing their signature sophistication to Hollywood’s Academy-accredited platform, the partnership reinforces the idea that great cinema, like great hospitality, transcends borders. As HollyShorts continues to widen its reach, it ensures that the future of film is not just watched globally, but created globally.
You can follow:
Theo Dumont (HollyShorts co-founder) Instagram.
HollyShorts Dubai Instagram.
HollyShorts London Instagram.
HollyShorts Instagram.