The Wegner Award recognizes excellence in film writing with an essay competition each spring. The UNLV School of Cinematic Arts highlights three films that students may select for the focus of their essay, which should tell us why the film they've chosen is worthy of viewers' attention. The film may be from discussed any perspective that the writer prefers; we are looking for dynamic voices and inventive, well-developed arguments. Entries must be 1500-2000 words; the total word count should appear at the end of every essay.

This is an undergraduate award. All UNLV film majors and/or students from other majors who have taken at least two film courses at UNLV are eligible to apply. Only one entry per student may be submitted. (If you make an error and wish to re-submit your essay, start a new application. Only your most recent submission will be considered.)

• First place - $1,000
• Second place - $750
• Third place - $500

Submissions are due by April 1st each year. For all the details, including the films that are the focus of the current cycle of the competition, please click the "Submit an Entry" button below. Winners will be announced at the UNLV Film Honors Celebration, held annually in early May.