Oscar Predictions: Best Animated Short

This year, Oscar nominations will be announced on Monday, March 15th. I’ll be offering detailed predictions in all categories.

Last year’s nominees: Daughter, Hair Love, Kitbull, Memorable, Sister

There are ten finalists in this category, and I had the opportunity to screen five of them. Therefore, I’ll be making my predictions with short summaries and reviews of the one I’ve seen and watching any that make the cut that I haven’t after nominations are announced.

Burrow (B+)
A rabbit has big plans for what her home will be like, and finds that reality is going to present obstacles and opportunities. This dialogue-free short is inventive and heartwarming, running just six minutes. Watch it now on Disney Plus.

If Anything Happens I Love You (B+)
Two parents mourning the loss of their child struggle to reconnect and come to terms with what they have suffered. This emotional film is definitely for adults, though it utilizes powerful imagery to convey the lingering spirit of their child’s presence. Watch it now on Netflix.

Kapaemahu (B-)
This film chronicles the forgotten fabled gender-fluid history of Waikiki Beach, portraying the mythical story and then showing how it has been covered and built over to create modern-day Hawaii. It’s a worthwhile and important piece of culture with vibrant animation, but doesn’t feel quite as cohesive as a film. Watch it now on YouTube via Omeleto.

Out (B+)
This film’s description – a man switches bodies with his dog – might sound similar to feature-length contender “Soul,” but it has the added dimension of that same man struggling to come out to his parents. It’s a fun and uplifting story full of spirit. Watch it now on Disney Plus.

To Gerard (B+)
A mailman revels in the opportunity to enthrall a young child with the magic he’s been yearning to do his entire life. It’s hard not to find this film charming, and its short length makes it a perfect immersion into this delightful world. Watch it free on Peacock.

Also in contention are Genius Loci, from France, Opera, from South Korea and the United States, The Snail and the Whale, from the United Kingdom, Yes People, from Iceland, and Traces, from France and Belgium. Without having seen half of them, it’s hard to know exactly what will make the cut, but I’ll have more to say once nominees are out and I’ve seen any of the rest.

Predicted nominees: Genius Loci, If Anything Happens I Love You, Opera, Out, To Gerard

Forecasted winner: I see If Anything Happens I Love You triumphing.