The votes are in!
The Chicago International Film Festival was recently named the No. 2 Best Film Festival in the U.S. for 2026 by USA TODAY readers – and the Best Film Festival in Chicago by Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago poll!
As USA TODAY wrote, we’ve earned a “reputation as a tastemaker for the International Feature race at the Oscars, as well as a key festival for emerging filmmakers to present their features and shorts.”
In Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago 2025, we also finished runner up for Best Film Programming – behind our friends and partners at the Music Box Theatre!
We’re proud of this recognition – and grateful to all our friends, partners, and film-lovers who voted and shared their love for our Festival.
Don’t wait until October: we host screenings and events all year long! And become a member today to access exclusive advance screenings and other perks.
See you at the movies!