Top Animated Short Films Nominated for Academy Awards 2023

Out of the three packages of short films nominated for Academy Awards, the animation set is usually the most enjoyable to watch. That doesn’t mean it eschews heavy subject matter altogether, but the very nature of the medium often means that a certain air of whimsy is present, making the overall experience less likely to leave the audience in a state of depression by the end. As usual, the nominated films are a bit of a mixed bag, but there is still a lot to like among this year’s slate.

The program opens with what is perhaps my least favorite of the 5 films, The Three Sisters. In a world made up of tiny islands, the sisters live a routine, peaceful life on their own tiny chunk of land. When a mishap forces them to rent out one of their homes, a sailor takes up the spot and immediately catches the eye of all three women, disrupting their delicate equilibrium. It’s an amusing watch with more than a few well-earned chuckles, but the animation isn’t anything special and the story is fairly slight. While certainly not a waste of 14 minutes, it doesn’t really feel Oscar-worthy either. ★★★

Next comes Forevergreen, about an orphaned bear cub who is adopted by a paternal evergreen tree. Charmingly styled to look as though carved out of wood, this tale of familial affection, growing up, and self-sacrifice accomplishes quite a lot in a short run time. The story can occasionally feel trite but writing and directing duo Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears (both Disney veterans) nevertheless prove adept at eliciting laughter and tears from audiences. This one should please audiences of all ages. ★★★★

Things move into more serious territory with The Girl Who Cried Pearls, a mature fable about a poor orphan boy who can see through crumbling walls the emotional abuse inflicted on the girl who resides in the apartment next to the one he is squatting in. One day he witnesses her cry tears of perfect pearls and so takes them to a local pawnbroker. The shopkeeper is suspicious of both the origins and authenticity of the pearls and has them appraised by an expert who confirms they are real and that the boy’s story may be true. The pawnbroker offers to pay a large sum of money for more pearls and, despite being deeply conflicted about doing so, the young lad sets about trying to collect more. Composed of stunningly gorgeous, hand-crafted sets and puppets, this stop-motion short is a highlight of the collection, with a story that is both absorbing and affecting with a nice touch of schadenfreude. Despite the often-heavy subject matter, this one proves to be a charmer. ★★★★½

Up fourth is Butterfly (Papillon), a beautifully imagined look at the life of French Olympic swimmer Alfred Nakache. As he makes his final competitive swim, he reflects back on the many tragedies and triumphs he’s experienced. Jewish and raised in Algeria, he had to deal with prejudice from his own teammates and then, far worse, internment in Auschwitz where he was forever separated from his wife and daughter. Still, he survived and went on to live his life as best as he could. The structure means it is slightly disjointed at times, but this is still a tragic yet hopeful tale, rendered in lovely animation that recalls a painting come to life. Containing both the best and worst of human nature, it’s a genuine work of art. ★★★★

The last of the nominees featured here is John Kelly’s Retirement Plan. Yearning for the free time that comes at the end of one’s career, our narrator lists off the various things he will try to accomplish when he reaches it. Blending sweetly naïve optimism, relatably sardonic humor, and surprising moments of breathtaking emotional punch, Kelly wrings everything he can from this simple premise. With a charming art style and superb voice work by Domhnall Gleeson, this one feels like it was tailor-made for me at this stage in my life and I found it all the more effective because of it. ★★★★★

Because the animated shorts aren’t as long as the other two categories, Roadside Attractions has included one more work at the tail end, the shortlisted Irish film Éiru. With a basis in Irish folklore, this sweet little film by Giovanna Ferrari follows the title character (Coco Teehan Roche), a young girl in a fierce warrior tribe who yearns to head out to battle with the adults but is always made to stay behind. When she wakes up one night and discovers the water has disappeared from the tribe’s well everyone becomes understandably panicked. None of the adults are able to fit through the well’s small mouth, and so Éiru is lowered down to try to save the day. The art style is gorgeous though the animation is slightly jerky at times. The story is the real draw here though. It’s a simple tale, but with a good message that feels increasingly necessary given the state of things. A treat for all ages. ★★★★