SHORT FILM (ANIMATED) SHORTLIST:
| “Burrow” |
| “Genius Loci” |
| “If Anything Happens I Love You” |
| “Kapaemahu” |
| “Opera” |
| “Out” |
| “The Snail and the Whale” |
| “To Gerard” |
| “Traces” |
| “Yes-People” |
When it comes to the Best Animated Shorts category, Disney+Pixar usually rules the day. This year they have two shorts competing. To bet against either of them is foolish. “Burrow” was my pick from the get-go and “Out” is pushing enough boundaries that it is bound to get noticed. I stayed with the safe picks on “If Anything Happens I Love You,” which is from Netflix and seems to have some heavy subject matter, which the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch tends to eat up. Also, “To Gerard” looks to be a solid choice, also coming from the major studio of Dreamworks. “Opera” is not from a major studio but looks amazing. Even if it doesn’t make the final cut, I may have to check it out.
Per the Academy’s press release:
Nominations voting begins on Friday, March 5, 2021, and concludes on Wednesday, March 10, 2021.
Nominations for the 93rd Academy Awards will be announced on Monday, March 15, 2021.
The 93rd Oscars® will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2021, and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
OSCAR NOMINATION PREDICTIONS
“Burrow”
Disney+Pixar
“If Anything Happens I Love You”
Netflix
“Opera”
Beasts and Natives Alike
“Out”
Disney+Pixar
“To Gerard”
Dreamworks Animation
#1: “BURROW” — DISNEY+PIXAR (6 MIN)
IMDB Synopsis: A young rabbit tries to build the burrow of her dreams, becoming embarrassed each time she accidentally digs into a neighbor’s home.
#2: “If Anything Happens I Love You” — NETFLIX (12 MIN)
IMDB Synopsis: If Anything Happens I Love You is a beautifully illustrated animated short film that takes us on an extraordinary emotional journey of two parents struggling to overcome the hurt left by a tragic event that leaves their family changed forever. The film is a stunning tale that juxtaposes the excruciating pain one can feel as well as the resilience of the human spirit. If Anything Happens I Love You is a touching experience for anyone who has ever loved and lost.
#3: “Opera” — Beasts and Natives Alike (9 MIN)
IMDB Synopsis: OPERA is a massive 8K size animation installation project which portrays our society and history, which is filled with beauty and absurdity.
#4: “OUT” — DISNEY+PIXAR (9 MIN)
IMDB Synopsis: On an average day, Greg’s life is filled with family, love and a rambunctious little dog – but despite all of this, Greg has a secret. Today is different, because he might learn that he has nothing to hide.
#5: “To Gerard” — DREAMWORKS ANIMATION (7 MIN)
IMDB Synopsis: A sprightly elderly man brightens the day of a little girl through magic.
“Genius Loci” — Kazak Productions (16 MIN)
IMDB Synopsis: One night, Reine, a young loner, sees the urban chaos as a mystical oneness that seems alive, like some sort of guide.
“Kapaemahu” — Kanaka Pakipika (8 min)
IMDB Synopsis: Kapaemahu reveals the healing power of four mysterious stones on Waikiki Beach – and the legendary dual male and female spirits within them.
“The Snail and the Whale” — Magic Light Pictures (26 MIN)
IMDB Synopsis: A tiny snail goes on an amazing journey by hitching a ride on the tail of a huge humpback whale. Based on the picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
“Traces” — Ciclic Animation (13 MIN)
IMDB Synopsis: Thirty six thousand years ago, in the Ardèche river gorge, when an animal was painted, it was hunted. When it is again time to go hunting and painting, 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 cave lion.
“Yes-People” — CAOZ Ltd (9 MIN)
IMDB 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.
