Nov 21, 2022

5 Animated Short Films Nominated for Academy Awards

As temperatures drop and we head into winter, the coming animated short film Oscar race is heating up.

In August, we highlighted nine highly anticipated shorts that performed well on the festival circuit in the first half of 2022. And now we are back again with a list of animated shorts that have the potential to make an impact this awards season. More lists will be added in the coming weeks.

To be eligible, a short film must have won a specific award at a festival eligible for the Academy Awards, won a Student Academy Award, or met certain public release criteria before September 30, 2022.

Once a category dominated by independent films, the best animated short film race has recently become a favorite for major studios to win awards. For example, this group of films includes works from Psyop, Canada's NFB, and Disney-owned FX Productions.

Director Tom C. J. Brown

Countries of production France, United Kingdom, United States

Qualifying: exhibition

Christopher, a soft-spoken young man, has booked a transatlantic voyage on a cargo ship that almost exclusively carries professional crew. On board, Christopher begins his journey missing his girlfriend, whom he left behind back home, and meets a carefree engineer named Valentin. Picturesque scenes of sparkling sunsets over calm waters are matched in visual appeal by scenes of swirling winds and surging seas. Christopher at Sea is produced by Mille, Sciop, Temple Carrington & Brown.

Directed by Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby

Country of production Canada

Qualifier: historical fiction based on the 1917 Halifax Explosion. This short film tells the story of one quiet event, a collision of two ships in a harbor, caused by a loud noise and a violent disaster. Told with shocking and effective serenity, the story is about a sailor whose life flashes before his eyes as he is launched into the heavens by the blast. The Flying Sailor premiered in Annecy in June and has since been screened at the Toronto and Ottawa International Animated Film Festivals.

Director Mahboobeh Kalaee

Country Iran

Qualifier: attempts a dynamic fusion of 2D, stop-motion animation, and just a bit of live action footage. In a space literally wedged between his parents, a boy with a stutter explains his naïve view of the world and his desire to have a sibling.

Director: Jun Wada

Country of Origin: France, Japan

Qualifying: Ottawa International Animated Film Festival

Special Jury Prize at the Berlin International Animated Film Festival. It was screened in competition at Annecy, Fantoche (where it won the Best International Film Award) and Ottawa, winning the Grand Prix at the latter and qualifying for the Academy Awards. The short film is about a group of boys practicing a traditional dance when they are distracted by a friendly bird.

Director Sara Gunnarsdottir

Country USA

Qualifying: In the early 1990s in suburban Houston, this is the story of a stubborn 15-year-old who decides to lose his virginity despite the fact that he has no marriage partner. The film has an impressive festival resume, including awards at Ottawa, Chicago, and SXSW. Produced by Wonder Killer, Cats Pajamas, and FX Productions.