American Cinema Editors (ACE) is ushering in a new era of recognition for editors shaping storytelling across both traditional and digital formats. The organization announced two major updates ahead of its 76th Annual ACE Eddie Awards, set for February 27, 2026, at UCLA’s Royce Hall: a new Best Edited Short category and expanded eligibility for digital content, including work released on YouTube and other online platforms. In addition, YouTube will receive the ACE Visionary Award for its groundbreaking influence on modern visual storytelling.
The newly introduced Best Edited Short category acknowledges the surge in creative excellence found in short-form content. Eligible projects will include theatrical shorts eligible for Oscar consideration, as well as original digital shorts across narrative, documentary, animation, and experimental forms. While many short films still premiere in theaters, the majority now find their audiences online—a reality ACE aims to embrace through this unified award. The category’s parameters will align closely with the Academy’s 40-minute maximum standard, with final details to be confirmed on the ACE website.
In a move reflecting the evolution of entertainment itself, ACE will also begin accepting submissions from YouTube and other digital platforms across compatible existing categories for the first time. This means work ranging from unscripted digital series to feature-length documentaries distributed online will now be judged alongside traditional film and television entries. The change underscores ACE’s acknowledgment of the technical and artistic sophistication emerging in digital-first storytelling.
To further highlight this shift, YouTube will be honored with the ACE Visionary Award, joining the ranks of innovative industry leaders previously recognized by the organization. The award celebrates YouTube’s transformative role in expanding access to storytelling and empowering creators across the globe.
“YouTube has radically expanded the boundaries of who can tell stories and how those stories reach audiences,” said Anita Brandt-Burgoyne, ACE, chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee.
ACE Executive Director Jenni McCormick added, “This is not about catching up to a trend—it’s about leading the way into what’s next while honoring our roots.”
Founded in 1950, American Cinema Editors continues to champion the art and craft of film editing through its signature events, educational initiatives, and global community of creative professionals—ensuring that the legacy and future of editing remain equally celebrated.