A Review of the 98th Oscar Nominated Shorts: Highlights, Lowlights, and A Heartwarming Donkey Story
The five Oscar-nominated short films of 2026 in the categories of Animation, Live Action, and Documentary will begin a theatrical release on Friday, distributed through Roadside Attractions. Titled The 98th Oscar-Nominated Shorts Presented by Taika Waititi, this annual program continues to bolster its box office appeal.
Having reviewed all 15 nominated short films, I am poised to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of this year’s selections. This review will not only evaluate the films but also assist those participating in Oscar prediction pools, where these categories often serve as crucial decision points.
This year’s lineup showcases a rich diversity of storytelling, with filmmakers from various countries demonstrating their ability to convey profound narratives within brief runtimes.
Below are capsule reviews organized by category, presented as per the Roadside Attractions release structure.
Animated Short Film
This year’s nominees in the Animated Short Film category are particularly strong, with no entries from Pixar. The collection includes a special bonus short, *Eiru,* totaling a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes.
The Three Sisters
Polydont Films/Rymanco Ventures
Kicking off the lineup is *The Three Sisters,* directed by the renowned Konstantin Bronzit. This short features three sisters living on a remote Greek island and examines their interactions with a boisterous sailor tenant. With sharp 2D animation, it conveys themes of loneliness and rivalry in just 14 inventive minutes.
Forevergreen
Forevergreen
Following is *Forevergreen,* a heartwarming 13-minute film directed by Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears. It features a playful orphaned bear cub under the protection of a tree, imparting a message about the importance of looking out for one another amidst adversity, enhanced by its beautiful animation.
The Girl Who Cried Pearls
National Film Board of Canada
The longest entry at 17 minutes, *The Girl Who Cried Pearls* is a stop-motion fable about a girl whose tears become pearls, entangling a boy who loves her and must confront a moral dilemma with a pawnbroker exploiting her sorrow. The film resonates through its stunning puppetry and engaging narrative.
Retirement Plan
Sacrebleu Productions
The shortest nominee at just seven minutes, *Retirement Plan* by John Kelly explores the humorous musings of Ray, voiced by Domhnall Gleeson, as he contemplates life post-retirement. With a witty script, it captivates with clever animation that showcases the joys and challenges of aging.
Butterfly
Sacrebleu Productions
Concluding the animated category is *Butterfly,* a powerful 15-minute work based on the life of Olympic swimmer Alfred Nakache, recalling his journey through triumph and tragedy during the Holocaust. The film is a poignant blend of art and history, presented through exquisite painterly animation that conveys dual narratives of survival and loss.
Documentary Short Film
The documentary shorts present a gripping examination of real-world issues, with *Perfectly a Strangeness* leading the lineup.
Perfectly a Strangeness
Second Sight Pictures
Directed by Alison McAlpine, *Perfectly a Strangeness* explores the seemingly aimless life of three donkeys in the Atacama Desert, inviting interpretations beyond its surface. Its stunning visuals capture a serene yet thought-provoking narrative.
The Devil Is Busy
HBO
*The Devil Is Busy,* produced by HBO, documents Traci, who safeguards a women’s clinic in Atlanta besieged by anti-abortion demonstrators. This compelling focus on her daily challenges emphasizes the courageous efforts needed to protect women’s rights amid current societal hostility.
Armed Only With a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud
HBO
This poignant documentary portrays Brent Renaud, the first American journalist killed in Ukraine. Through personal narratives and touching footage, it highlights the sacrifices made by journalists, reminding viewers of the cost of chasing the truth in conflict zones.
All the Empty Rooms
Netflix
In *All the Empty Rooms,* director Joshua Seftel follows CBS correspondent Steve Hartman as he documents the vacant bedrooms of school shooting victims. This profoundly emotional film is an exploration of loss and remembrance in a society grappling with tragedy.
Children No More: Were and Are Gone
Sky
The final film, *Children No More: Were and Are Gone,* directed by Sheila Nevins and Hilia Medalia, captures activists in Tel Aviv commemorating children lost to war. Through subtle observations, it powerfully underscores the human cost of conflict, leaving a haunting impression.
Live Action Short Film
The live-action shorts bring a vibrant array of narratives to the screen, starting with *The Singers,* a film that can lift spirits with its heartwarming story.
The Singers
Netflix
*The Singers,* directed by Sam A. Davis, features patrons in a pub who, through the power of music, unite in a joyful sing-off. The film celebrates human connection and communal spirit, making it a standout among this year’s nominees.
A Friend of Dorothy
In *A Friend of Dorothy,* writer-director Lee Knight draws from personal experience to portray an unexpected camaraderie between a lonely widow, played by BAFTA winner Miriam Margolyes, and a teenage boy. This touching relationship highlights the joys of companionship across generations.
Butcher’s Stain
Tel Aviv University Steve Tisch School of Film and Television
*Butcher’s Stain* by Meyer Levinson-Blount subtly critiques tensions in the Middle East through a simple narrative set in an Israeli supermarket. The film delves into questions of identity and suspicion in a divided society.
Two People Exchanging Saliva
Canal+/The New Yorker
This provocative film depicts a dystopian society where kissing is illegal. Through surreal imagery and innovative storytelling, *Two People Exchanging Saliva* presents a unique commentary on intimacy and societal norms.
Jane Austen’s Period Drama
Finally, *Jane Austen’s Period Drama* is a comedic twist on the classic literature trope, focusing on a lead character navigating the challenges of womanhood in an exaggeratedly humorous manner. While entertaining, it relies on a familiar premise that may limit its impact.
