Now in its 20-plus year history, the SASAs have long been a cornerstone of SA’s vibrant film and television community. Organised by The Mercury – a not-for-profit champion of the local screen industry – the awards highlight the incredible creativity of our state’s filmmakers across drama, comedy, documentary, animation, music video and web series.
From rising stars to industry legends, SASA offers a unique platform to honour both established and emerging voices.
“We’re thrilled to announce that submissions are now open for the South Australian Screen Awards, with an unmissable Red-Carpet Gala planned for November,” says The Mercury CEO, Sarah Lancaster.
SASA is a major celebration on the screen calendar – a night where the emerging and established sectors come together to honour bold storytelling and the extraordinary talent driving South Australia’s screen industry.
This year, there are two new categories – Best VFX (celebrating excellence in visual effects) and Best Commissioned Series – recognising the exceptional local content being created for broadcast and streaming platforms.
“With 26 awards spanning genre, craft, and key individual honours including Best First Nations Screen Practitioner, Mercury Rising, and Mercury Legend, we encourage all local filmmakers to step into the spotlight and submit their work,” says Lancaster.
Other major awards include:
- Grand Jury Prize (Best Short)
- Best Feature
- Best Web Series
- Best Student Short Film
- Best First Nations Short Film
- Audience Award
Craft Awards (for Short Films and Web Series only):
- Best Music Composition
- Best Sound Design
- Best Editing
- Best Screenplay
- Best Costume
- Best Hair & Makeup
- Best Production Design
- Best Cinematography
- Best Performance
- Best Directing
- Best VFX (NEW)
Individual Honours:
- Best Emerging First Nations Screen Practitioner
- Best Emerging Producer Award
- Mercury Rising Award
- Mercury Legend Award
Key dates
- Submissions open: Tuesday 30 July
- Deadline for entries: Monday 8 September
- Nominees announced: Late October
- Nominee screenings: Mid-November
- Tickets on sale: Early November
- Gala Awards Ceremony: Saturday 22 November
For more details or to enter your film, visit themercury.org.au
