During four weekends in February and March, the Festival welcomes over 25,000 young people, parents, and movie-lovers to explore the world without leaving NYC. Presenting the best new animation, live action, documentary, and experimental film from across the globe, we invite you to watch, laugh, create, and explore with us. Since 1997, 38 Festival films have been recognized with Academy Awards® and nominations, and in 2011 New York International Children’s Film Festival became an Oscar®-qualifying event. As such, winners of our juried prizes are eligible for Academy consideration in the Best Live Action and Best Animated Short Film categories.