The 2025 Trekzone Fan Film Awards started airing at 6:47am AEST on July 10, 2025, it was the fourth fan film films awards done by Trekzone with support from MTM.

Getting to today was a long process, hundreds of hours were spent keeping up with fan films, wondering about who to nominate and then who to choose, flicking back and forth through fan films looking for the moment that gave us the winners we had sought after.

Now we’re here, showing you the nominees, who we selected as winners and why, all winners are highlighted for easy of identifying.

All nominees deserved to be here, all fan films that were considered deserved to be considered, be proud of your efforts and please do continue to create fan films.

We thank all of you reading this for joining us this year, we truly appreciate your support and may today be a great day for all regardless of results.

Best Actress
Donna Chaney as Doctor Sarah Perry – Sleeping Dragon
Mairi-Clare MacLean as Captain Castille – Deception III
Kimberly White as Captain Eva Privette – Night Shift
Madeline as Captain Victoria Jarvis in Odyssey through the Unknown

Donna Chaney’s performance as Dr. Sarah Perry stood out for its emotional depth and quiet strength. Portraying a dying scientist faced with the ultimate sacrifice, Chaney brought a grounded humanity to a role that could have easily tipped into melodrama.

Her portrayal was nuanced, convincing, and deeply affecting — capturing the internal conflict of a character balancing personal fear with the weight of galactic responsibility. In Sleeping Dragon, Chaney doesn’t just act — she embodies the spirit of Star Trek: courage, selflessness, and hope. This award recognises her ability to elevate the story and leave a lasting impression.

Best Actor
Tuck Stevens as Captain Timothy Harper – Sleeping Dragon
John Broughton as Carter – Farragut Forward
Markus Bennewart as Captain Pike in Starfleet Legends Act III
Jaymes Sygrove as Commander Stoven in Deception III

In a highly competitive category, Markus Bennewart rose to the top with his commanding and emotionally resonant portrayal of Captain Pike in Starfleet Legends Act III.

Building on previous performances, Bennewart delivered a character who was not only a strong leader but also deeply human — a man torn between duty, destiny, and the burdens of command. His nuanced delivery, presence on screen, and ability to convey layered emotion without sacrificing the integrity of the role helped anchor the entire production.

His portrayal brought gravitas and heart to the fan film, and this performance was a clear standout among a field of talented nominees.

Best Director
Jan “Sokar” Krátký – The Third Option
Johnny K. – Farragut Forward
Chelsey L. Boston and Randall Landers – Protector’s Toll
Leo Tierney – Deception III

Directing a story that moves between seamlessly between past and present is no easy task — but Chelsey L. Boston and Randall Landers pulled it off with skill and clarity in Protector’s Toll.

Their direction kept the emotional thread intact across timelines while steadily increasing the tensions and stakes of the story. The pair demonstrated a strong sense of pacing, visual storytelling, and character development, guiding the audience through a layered narrative without confusion.

Their ability to balance character driven moments with dramatic tension made the film both compelling and memorable, earning them this well-deserved recognition.

Best Music
Chris Kroznuski for Sleeping Dragon
C. S. Watterson for Deception III
Thomas Hauber for Starfleet Legends Act III
Jed T. E. Rhodes for Joint Action

Chris Kroznuski’s score for Sleeping Dragon was more than just background — It was a vital emotional thread woven through the entire film.

His compositions elevated every scene, enhancing the tension, drama, and emotion resonance without ever overwhelming the narrative.

Each cue was thoughtfully crafted to reflect the story’s tone, with seamless integration between music and on-screen action. From the quiet, contemplative moments to the sweeping, high-stakes sequences, Kronznuski’s music guided the audience’s emotional journey and strengthened the film’s overall impact. It was a perfect marriage of sound and storytelling — a score that truly served the story.

Best Fan Film
Sleeping Dragon
Starfleet Legends Act III
Farragut Forward
Protector’s Toll

Choosing a winner in this category was no easy task — with four standout entries, each offering unique strengths and high production values, the decision came down to storytelling, execution, and impact.

Starfleet Legends Act III delivered a powerful and satisfying conclusion to its trilogy, demonstrating growth in every aspect of fan filmmaking – from performance and direction to visuals and pacing.

The film honoured what came before while raising the stakes, delivering a finale that was emotionally grounded and narratively fulfilling. Its ambition was matched by its execution, and for that, Starfleet Legends Act III earns the title of Best Fan Film for 2025.

Best Short Fan Film
Raiders of the Lost Trek
The Third Option
Deception III
Assault on Pax 12

This year’s short fan film category featured four distinct and engaging entries, each offering something unique — from style and tone to character and story.

Among them, Deception III stood out for its polished production, strong performances, and the way it expanded its story universe with fresh developments and deeper character moments.

Despite its shorter runtime, the film packed in tension, intrigue, and emotional stakes, all delivered with skill and confidence. The pacing was sharp, the storytelling compelling, and the acting brought a real sense of authenticity. Deception III showed just how powerful a short fan film can be — making it our clear choice for 2025.

Best Story
Protector’s Toll
The Third Option
Raiders of the Lost Trek
Deception III

This year’s storytelling category was filled with rich, imaginative and thought-provoking narratives. Each nominee brought something special – Raiders of the Lost Trek offered a clever and seamless fusion of two iconic universes; The Third Option challenged expectations with a bold moral dilemma; and Protector’s Toll delivered emotional weight through a heartbreaking family decision.

But it was Deception III that emerged as the most gripping of them all — a true masterclass in the art of misdirection and surprise. With layers of intrigue, unexpected twists, and a cleverly constructed narrative, the film kept viewers guessing right until the end.

Its ability to weave complexity into a concise format made it stand out, earning Deception III the award for Best Fan Film in 2025.

Best Trailer
Captain Simian’s First Command
The Final Mission
Constitution
Being Enterprise – The Withered Resurgence

The Final Mission stood out for its pacing, tone, and ability to build anticipation, it offered just enough without revealing too much, drawing viewers in with atmosphere, tension and emotional weight. It left us eager to see what comes next, and that’s exact what a great trailer should do – making it the standout choice for 2025.

Best Visual Effects
Farragut Forward
Deception III
Starfleet Legends Act III
Assault on Pax 12

Farragut Forward raised the bar for visual effects in fan filmmaking. The attention to detail, technical execution, and creative use of effects showcased a team that truly understood how to bring cinematic spectacle to the fan film space.

From space battles to ship interiors and beyond, every scene was crafted with precision — not just to look impressive, but to serve the story and immerse the viewer. The production team clearly invested significant time, talent, and resources into their VFX work, and the result was nothing short of stunning.

Best Costumes
The Third Option
Farragut Forward
Protector’s Toll
Starfleet Legends Act III

Costume design is a vital part of visual storytelling — and in a year where all the nominees showcased impressive craftsmanship, The Third Option stood out for how effectively its costumes complemented the narrative and enhanced the film’s visual appeal.

With strong competition — especially from Farragut Forward, which had also earned recognition in this area — the pressure was on. But The Third Option delivered uniforms and wardrobe choices that not only respected Star Trek’s legacy but also felt crisp, polished, and cinematically striking.

The costumes didn’t just blend into the background — they helped define characters, elevate scenes, and immerse viewers in the world of the film. This award celebrates the care and attention to detail that made The Third Option a visual standout in 2025.

Best Hero Ship
USS Sagittarius (Assault on Pax 12)
USS Constitution (Starfleet Legends Act III)
USS Farragut (Farragut Forward)
USS Longshanks (Deception III)

While iconic designs like the Constitution-class continue to be fan favourites for good reason, USS Sagittarius captured our attention by daring to be different.

In a sea of familiar silhouettes, Sagittarius stood out with a design that was both fresh and functional — a clear reflection of creative risk-taking and world-building beyond the usual Starfleet staples. The decision to move away from the traditional Constitution/ Miranda/ Galaxy-class mould was bold, and it paid off.

The ship wasn’t just a backdrop — it had character, presence, and a sense of purpose that enhanced the story it supported. This award celebrates not just great design, but the spirit of innovation that keeps the Star Trek universe alive and evolving.

Best Makeup
Farragut Forward
Starfleet Legends Act III
Deception III
Protector’s Toll

Makeup can make or break immersion in a science fiction setting — and in Farragut Forward, it was nothing short of exceptional.

From the strikingly authentic Klingons to other alien species and the convincing portrayal of wounded Starfleet personnel, the makeup work added depth, realism, and grit to every scene. It wasn’t just about looking good — it was about enhancing character, tone, and believability.

The level of craftsmanship and attention to detail clearly put Farragut Forward ahead of the pack, demonstrating a mastery of both prosthetics and practical effects. This award recognises a team that truly brought the Star Trek universe to life through its artistry.

Best Antagonists
Prescott in Farragut Forward
Commander Kaj in Starfleet Legends Act III
The Unknown Attackers in Assault on Pax 12
Commander Stoven in Deception III

A great antagonist doesn’t just oppose the heroes — they blend in, deceive, and leave us questioning everything. Commander Stoven in Deception III was the epitome of that subtle, slow-burn villainy.

On the surface, he was a textbook Starfleet officer: composed, competent, and seemingly loyal. But beneath that calm exterior was a carefully concealed allegiance to the Romulans — a betrayal revealed only through a critical slip that made viewers’ jaws drop.

His manipulation of those around him, coupled with a performance that sold the deception flawlessly, made him not just a threat, but a chillingly believable one. Commander Stoven was the kind of antagonist who doesn’t just create conflict — he redefines the stakes. That’s what earned him the title of Best Antagonist in 2025.

Most Popular Fan Film

Most Popular Fan Film went to Sweet Oblivion, they ran a fantastic campaign throughout the polling process and deserved their victory, FSFilm have won both Most Popular Fan Film awards (Can’t Stop won in 2025) and perhaps next year they’ll be aiming for back-to-back-to-back victories.

Awards Breakdown
Potemkin Pictures – 4 awards
Deception III – 3 awards
Farragut Forward – 2 awards
FSFilm – 3 awards
Starfleet Legends Act III – 2 awards

Guess what? It has already been agreed that we’ll be back in 2026 for a fifth The Trekzone Fan Film Awards, a milestone we’re looking forward to celebrating with you.

We like to thank all fan film creators for their work over the last year, and we now look towards September 8 to Star Trek Day and December 31 as we present the ‘Best of 2025 List’.

Until next time, be good to each other.