Best Live Action Short Film
The Live Action Short Film category brings forth a collection of poignant narratives, each offering a glimpse into microcosms of emotion.
From heart-wrenching dramas to uplifting tales, this year’s nominees captivate with their ability to evoke profound feelings within a limited timeframe.
Audiences can expect a rollercoaster of emotions as filmmakers tackle social issues, personal struggles, and human connections in succinct yet powerful ways.
The After
In this intense short film, a grieving rideshare driver picks up a passenger who helps him confront the past.
Invincible
Inspired by a true story, Invincible recounts the last 48 hours in the life of Marc-Antoine Bernier, a 14-year-old boy on a desperate quest for freedom.
Knight of FortuneÂ
The loss of a loved one, the grief, the risk of yellow skin, and a coffin, that is too much for Karl to face.
Red, White and BlueÂ
Rachel is a single parent living paycheck to paycheck. When an unexpected pregnancy threatens to unravel her already precarious position, she’s forced to cross state lines in search of an abortion. As Rachel contemplates the series of events that necessitated this journey and the obstacles placed in her path, we learn a heartbreaking truth that means her life will never be the same again.
The Wonderful Story of Henry SugarÂ
Chronicles a variety of stories, but the main one follows Henry Sugar, who is able to see through objects and predict the future with the help of a book he stole.
Best Animated Short Film
In the Animated Short Film category, filmmakers once again demonstrate the limitless possibilities of animation as a storytelling medium.
From whimsical adventures to profound reflections on life, these animated gems showcase not only technical prowess but also the ability to convey complex narratives through the art of visual storytelling. Expect a kaleidoscope of styles and techniques, celebrating the diversity inherent in the animation genre.
Letter to a Pig
A Holocaust survivor reads a letter he wrote to the pig who saved his life. A young schoolgirl hears his testimony in class and sinks into a twisted dream where she confronts questions of identity, collective trauma, and the extremes of human nature.
Ninety-Five Senses
An ode to the body’s five senses delivered by a man with little time left to enjoy them.
Our Uniform
An Iranian girl unfolds her school memories on the wrinkles and fabrics of her old uniform.
Pachyderme
Like every summer, Louise stays at her grandparents in the countryside for a few days during the holidays. It will snow at the height of summer and a monster is going to die.
War is Over!
Set in an alternate WWI reality where a senseless war rages on, two soldiers on opposite sides of the conflict play a joyful game of chess. A heroic carrier pigeon delivers the soldiers’ chess moves over the battlefield as the fighting escalates. Neither soldier knows his opponent as the game and the war builds to its climatic final move. Whoever wins the game, one thing is for certain: there are no winners in war.
Best Documentary Short Film
The Documentary Short Subject category sheds light on real-world issues and untold stories that demand attention. These short documentaries are a testament to the filmmakers’ dedication to shedding light on important narratives, often overlooked in mainstream media.
The ABCs of Book Banning
Reveals the voices of the impacted parties of books banned from school districts, inspiring hope for the future through the profound insights of inquisitive youthful minds.
The Barber of Little Rock
Barber Arlo Washington forms a nonprofit community bank, with a visionary approach to a just economy that could reshape the future of banking. The People Trust fosters economic progress for underserved residents in Little Rock, Ark.
Island in Between
S. Leo Chiang reflects on his relationship with Taiwan, the United States and China from the islands of Kinmen, just a few miles from mainland China.
The Last Repair Shop
Tells the story of four unassuming heroes who ensure no student is deprived of the joy of music. It is also a reminder of how music can be the best medicine, stress reliever and even an escape from poverty.
Nai Nai & Wà i Pó
A personal love letter from director Sean Wang to his Nai Nai and Wà i Pó, a grandma super team that dances, stretches, and farts their sorrows away.
In a world where brevity meets brilliance, the Short Film categories at the 2024 Academy Awards promise an unforgettable showcase of storytelling ingenuity. These films, often overlooked but never underestimated, offer a snapshot of the vast possibilities within the realm of short-form cinema, proving that a few minutes can leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
