The short film categories at the Oscars rarely get real attention. Most people do not watch these films simply because they are hard to find. That is a shame, because the short races are often the most interesting ones. This is where strange ideas, risky styles, and small emotional stories can actually stand out. Animated shorts in particular feel like a creative playground. These are ideas that would never survive as full length films, but in ten to fifteen minutes, they can be powerful, funny, or quietly moving.
I enjoyed them all and here is my personal ranking of this year’s five Oscar nominated animated shorts.
“Retirement Plan”
It feels exactly like something you would discover by accident and then think about all day. John Kelly’s minimalist style is simple but smart, and Domhnall Gleeson’s narration adds a lot of warmth. The film follows a man imagining what he wants to do before he dies. It is sad, funny and thoughtful at the same time. It never becomes depressing, which is what makes it work so well.
“Forevergreen”
This one is very warm and gentle. Directed by Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears, the film looks like it was carved out of wood, which gives it a handmade and comforting feel. The story follows a bear cub and a living tree that takes care of him. Yes, there is an environmental message here, but it never feels forced.
“The Girl Who Cried Pearls”
This short is beautifully crafted. The stop motion animation is rich in detail, and you can feel the effort in every frame. Directed by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, the story is about a girl whose tears turn into pearls and a boy who struggles between loving her and exploiting her gift. It is emotional without being melodramatic, and the ending quietly hits. This one feels very “Oscar friendly” while still having a real soul.
“The Three Sisters”
This is the most openly comedic film in the lineup. Directed by Timur Kognov, it focuses on three sisters living on a small island who are forced to rent part of their home. The animation is memorable and there are some genuinely funny moments. That said, it feels lighter than the others and does not fully land on a strong idea. It is enjoyable, but it did not stay with me the way the other shorts did.
“Butterfly”
This is the kind of short that often connects with Academy voters. Directed by Florence Miailhe, the film tells the story of Alfred Nakache, a French Olympic swimmer who survived the Holocaust and faced antisemitism in sports. What really stayed with me is the visual style. The watercolor animation feels soft and dreamlike, almost like memories floating in and out. It is serious without being heavy, and respectful without feeling stiff. It feels carefully made and emotionally honest.
In the end, this is a really strong animated short lineup, even if it will mostly pass under the radar for casual viewers. What I love about this category is how different the films are from each other. Each one takes a completely different approach in style, tone and storytelling. Some aim for history and memory, others for emotion or humor and a few simply want to leave you with a quiet feeling that lingers. This is the category that best reminds you why animation is not a genre but a tool and why ten minutes can sometimes say more than two hours ever could.