HollyShorts has unveiled its 2026 programme, featuring short films tied to major film and television names including Renée Zellweger, Michael Keaton and Judi Dench. The announcement matters because the Oscar-qualifying festival remains a prominent showcase for short-form filmmaking, and this year’s lineup highlights how established actors, directors and producers are continuing to invest in the format. Zellweger’s directorial debut, the animated short They, is among the most attention-grabbing selections.

The festival will screen 430 short films and runs from 13 to 23 August 2026 at the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Ovation Hollywood complex in Los Angeles. Other notable projects include Michael Keaton’s Sweetwater, Martin Freeman’s Little Bug, Jordan Peele-produced horror Spilled Milk, and British entries such as Joke, starring Judi Dench, Stephen Fry and Alison Steadman. The programme also includes films linked to Barry Keoghan, Zoe Saldaña, Serena Williams, Idris and Sabrina Elba, as well as performances or voice work from Vincent Cassel, Michael Caine, Ben Whishaw and others.