You know you want to enter!
About BABA
Learn about the vision behind the Best Actor/Best Actress Contest.
Ten Years in The Making!
Ta dah! Welcome to the inaugural "Best Actor/Best Actress" Contest!
The Best Actor/Best Actress Contest is an opportunity for actors to perform in a scripted story world of infinite choices. Perhaps the choice is to perform in a minimalist way, stripped of sets, costumes or props (hey, you might film it in an empty room, or on a stage), or to "go big," getting as creative as you want with costumes, props, set furniture, a unique location, etc. Now, that's power. Actor's choice!
This contest aims to challenge you and provide you exposure as an actor. It rewards talent with a substantial monetary prize of $1,000 to the best actor and the best actress. Your talent and drive in submitting to the contest and taking home the top prizes will earn you our beautiful crystal trophy, engraved with your name, year, and the designation of "Best Actor or Best Actress," "Rising Star," or "Creative Visionary Award."
Joan Philo: A Life in Film, Community, and Giving Back
Step into the spotlight with a contest designed by those who truly live in the world of Story, Stage, and Screen. As the extras casting director for acclaimed projects like The Dark Knight, Fred Claus, Ali, Chicago Fire, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and many more, I’ve spent a lifetime championing both emerging and established talent. As an award-winning screenwriter, a founder of the not-for-profit Show People Give (supporting filmmakers’ projects and igniting pay-it-forward action), and creator of The Darling Series greeting cards for showbiz souls, I know firsthand the passion and dedication the craft of acting demands.
Now, through The Best Actor, Best Actress International Contest, I am inviting you to experience a new spin on acting competitions—one that celebrates your artistry and amplifies the spirit of community. This is more than just a contest: it’s the first project from Show People Give, created by and for those who believe in giving back, supporting each other, and building a stronger, kinder artistic world.
Whether you’re an up-and-coming performer or a seasoned storyteller, this is your chance to shine, to be seen, and to join a movement that uses creativity for good. Every entry fee helps fund future artistic projects and acts of kindness for filmmakers and artists like you.
Let’s elevate each other and inspire the world—on stage, on screen, and beyond. Enter now, share your talent, and be part of a legacy where your performance is more than a role; it’s a ripple effect of kindness and creativity.
— Joan Philo
External Projects
Joan Philo is also involved in other creative projects that support the film and acting community:
BABA Contest Submission Windows & Entry Fee Structure
Submission Opens: July 15, 2025
Contest Entry Closes: January 15, 2026
Contest Video Entry deadline: January 22, 2026
To enter the Best Actor Best Actress International contest, an entry fee is required.
Founders' Special
$35
July 15, 2025 - July 31, 2025
Pioneer Access
$40
August 1, 2025 - January 15, 2026
Judges
John Papsidera
Casting Director, CSA
John Papsidera started his professional career as a trained actor graduating from Florida State University with a BFA degree and attending post-Graduate studies at Circle in the Square in New York City. Starting as a casting assistant at The Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, John moved into feature film casting and worked on such big budget action films as Clear and Present Danger, The Net, Anaconda and Cutthroat Island
Rosemary Rodriguez
Director, Writer, Producer
Rosemary’s upcoming feature Hail Mary, starring Jack Huston and Angela Sarafyan, had its world premiere at SXSW, where it was named one of the Best Horror Films. It was Opening Night film at the DTLA Film Festival, taking home Best Director and Best Actor prize for Jack Huston. Rosemary also wrote and directed the Sundance feature Acts of Worship, which was nominated for 2 Independent Spirit Awards and received a glowing New York Times review. Her second feature, Silver Skies, executive produced by Fred Roos (The Godfather) and Arthur Sarkissian (Rush Hour), went on to many festival awards, including the Audience Award at FLIFF. TV episodes she’s directed include Amazon’s upcoming It’s Not Like That; Showtime’s Your Honor with Bryan Cranston; The Walking Dead; James Gunn’s Peacemaker, with John Cena for HBOMax; Elsbeth; Dickinson with Hailee Steinfeld, Marvel/Netflix series Jessica Jones with Krysten Ritter, Apple’s Truth Be Told, starring Octavia Spencer, The Tick, The Good Wife (18 episodes, including the 100th). She was Executive Producer/Director on Apple’s Home Before Dark, and Producer/Director on Jason Katim’s Rise with Auli'i Cravalho. Upcoming films are Haunted, written by Jenna Mattison, The Wonder Yard, starring Jacki Weaver, Tony Shalhoub and Kate Mara; and Gated, produced by Rick Telles (A Million Miles Away). Rosemary is an active member of the DGA, WGA and an Icon Member of Alliance of Women Directors.
Emma Morley
Director, Writer, Producer
Emma Morley is a UK-based filmmaker, line producer and producer working across highend television and independent film. She is currently producer on a BBC children’s series, scheduled to enter production in the UK in Spring 2026. Her television credits include Production Coordinator on the BBC’s flagship drama Poldark and Production Manager on the first series of I Hate Susie. Her production work spans children’s television, drama and comedy, supporting both large-scale productions and smaller, creatively led projects. Alongside her production career, Emma has written, directed and produced two multiaward- winning short films. Her third short, Sister Anna, is set to enter the international film festival circuit in early 2026. Based in Wales, Emma is passionate about developing ambitious, distinctive screen work there while continuing to collaborate across the UK.
