Global Finalists Announced for $1 Million AI Film Prize
In Dubai, 12 finalists have been selected for a unique prize dedicated to films created with artificial intelligence. The $1 million award is part of the 1 Billion Followers Summit—the world’s premier content creator platform, organized by the UAE government. Google is the competition’s technology partner.
A jury composed of leading experts from the creative and tech sectors selected the top works from over 3,500 submissions worldwide. The next stage is a public vote on the summit’s website, running from December 21 to 25. The results will inform the judges’ final decision on the main winners.
Interest in the award has been unprecedented, with over 30,000 individuals from 116 countries expressing their intent to participate. This highlights the global scale of the trend towards using AI in film art.
The Selection Marathon and Final Screening
The path to the finals was extensive. First, 40 specialists reviewed nearly 400 hours of video material. Then, using Google Gemini tools, a deep technical review was conducted to ensure each work was not only original but also created using AI technologies for at least 70% of its production.
The main winners will be announced at the Summit itself, taking place in the UAE from January 9 to 11, 2026. The top five films will be screened for the public on January 10, and the grand prize winner of $1 million will be revealed the following day. Events will be held at futuristic venues: Emirates Towers, the Dubai International Financial Centre, and the Museum of the Future.
Aiming for “Content for Good”
Organizers emphasize that the prize is not just a competition of technologies but a way to promote meaningful, humanistic cinema. All finalist works explore two themes: a hopeful future (“Rewrite Tomorrow”) and the hidden stories around us (“The Secret Life of Everything”). The plots include reflections on ecology, memory, migration, and the power of human connection.
“We see AI becoming a tool for democratizing cinema. It allows creators from any part of the world, regardless of budget, to realize their boldest creative visions,” noted Anthony Nakache, Managing Director of Google in the Middle East and North Africa.
“The high caliber of the submissions proves that the Summit has become a true hub for innovators. Many films impress not only with their technique but with profound artistic vision,” added Alia AlHammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and Director of the Summit.
Through this award, the organizers aim to set new, ethical standards in the field of AI-driven storytelling, where technology serves not as a replacement, but as an amplifier for human creativity.