And Then There Were 10

A final look at this year’s top Animated Short Oscar contenders

Congrats to the 10 animated shorts that made the Academy Awards’ shortlist. Ninety-six shorts originally qualified in this category. Members of the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees. The nominations will be announced on March 15. This year’s virtual Academy Awards will take place on April 25.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

Burrow

Burrow (U.S.)

Directed by: Madeline Sharafian Produced by: Mike Capbarat Synopsis: A young rabbit sets out to dig the burrow of her dreams — despite not having a clue about what she’s doing. She gets by with a little help from her neighbors. Website: pixar.com/sparkshorts

Genius Loci (France)

Directed by: Adrien Merigeau Produced by: Amaury Ovise Synopsis: One night, a young loner named Reine sees the urban chaos as a mystical oneness that seems alive, like some sort of a guide. Website: adrienmerigeau.com/genius-loci

If Anything Happens I Love You (U.S.)

Directed by: Michael Govier and Will McCormack Produced by: Gary Gilbert, Gerald Chamales Synopsis: This powerful, minimalistic short charts the emotional journey of two parents struggling to overcome the hurt left by the loss of their child in a school shooting. Website: netflix.com

Kapaemahu (U.S.)

Directed by: Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean

Hamer, Joe Wilson; animation director Daniel Sousa Produced by: Hamer, Wilson, Wong-Kalu Synopsis: Kapaemahu reveals the healing power of four mysterious stones on Waikiki Beach— and the legendary transgender spirits within them. Website: kapaemahu.com

Opera (U.S.)

Directed by: Erick Oh Produced by: Beasts and Natives Alike Synopsis: This ambitious 8K size animation installation project portrays human society and history, filled with beauty and absurdity as a never-ending cycle of achievements, wars, servitude and hierarchies. Website: erickoh.com/film#/opera

Out (U.S.)

Directed by: Steven Clay Hunter Produced by: Max Sachar Synopsis: Things taken an unexpected turn when a young gay man who has not come out to his parents swaps brains with his helpful dog. Website: pixar.com/sparkshorts

The Snail and the Whale Traces

The Snail and the Whale (U.K.)

Directed by: Max Lang and Daniel Snaddon Produced by: Martin Pope and Michael Rose Synopsis: Based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s children’s book, this CG-animated special centers on a snail who hitches a lift on a whale’s tail to see the world. The snail feels very small in the big world, but when the whale is beached in a bay, she comes to the rescue! Website: magiclightpictures.com

To: Gerard (U.S.)

Directed by: Taylor Meacham Produced by: Jeff Hermann Synopsis: A sprightly mailman dreams of one day finding his audience as a famous magician. When an inquisitive young girl wanders upon his magic routine, the two make a big impact on each other’s lives. Website: dreamworks.com

Traces (France)

Directed by: Sophie Tavert Macian and Hugo Frassetto Produced by: Arnaud Demuynck; Les Films du Nord Synopsis: About 36,000 years ago in the

Yes-People

Ardèche river gorge, when an animal was painted, it was hunted. Gwel is appointed head of the group of hunters while Karou the painter and his apprentice Lani set off to paint the walls of the great cavern. But they hadn’t counted on meeting a lion. Website: lesfilmsdunord.com/traces

Yes-People

Directed by: Gísli Darri Halldórsson Produced by: Halldórsson, Arnar Gunnarsson Synopsis: One morning an eclectic mix of people face the everyday battle - such as work, school and dish-washing. As the day progresses, their relationships are tested and ultimately their capacity to cope. Website: caoz.com, magnetfilm.de ◆

The Visual Effects Shortlist:

Birds of Prey (Warner Bros) Bloodshot (Sony Pictures) Love and Monsters (Paramount) Mank (Netflix) The Midnight Sky (Netflix) Mulan (Disney) The One and Only Ivan (Disney) Soul (Disney-Pixar)

Soul

Tenet (Warner Bros.) Welcome to Chechnya (HBO) ◆