2026 Oscar-Nominated Animated Shorts

Ragtag Cinema proudly presents the Animated Oscar-Nominated Short Films. Featuring a diverse slate of international nominees from both new and established filmmakers, we invite you to support small scale filmmaking and narrow down your Oscar winner predictions. The 98th Academy Awards take place Sunday, March 15.

Some films in this program include some disturbing and mature content and may not be suitable for very young children. An on-screen notice will alert you before those films begin. Recommended rating is PG-13.

Film program (Listed in run order)

THE THREE SISTERS [Israel & Cyprus, 14mins, 2024] - Dir. Konstantin Bronzit

Three sisters live a lonely life on an isolated island, each in their own small house. One day, circumstances develop in such a way that they are forced to rent out one of the houses. No dialogue.

FOREVERGREEN [United States, 13 mins, 2025] - Dirs. Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears

A joyful adventure featuring an orphaned bear cub and a fatherly tree turns serious when the cub is tempted by the allure of easy food. Fire and deadly danger ensue as the cub is left bereft of hope and on the verge of a ruinous end, until the sacrificial love of the tree falls into place. No dialogue.

THE GIRL WHO CRIED PEARLS [Canada, 17 mins, 2025] - Dirs. Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski

In Montreal, at the dawn of the 20th century, a poor boy falls in love with a girl whose sorrow turns into pearls. He sells them to a ruthless pawnbroker, who hungers for more. Tempted by greed, the boy must choose between love and fortune. The choice could damn his soul. In English & French.

BUTTERFLY [France, 15 mins, 2025] - Dir. Florence Miailhe

A poignant retelling of Olympic swimmer Alfred Nakache's life, from his rise to fame to surviving Auschwitz, presented as memories flashing back during his final swim. In French, Arabic, & German with English subtitles. This film may not be suitable for very young children. Viewer discretion is advised. 

RETIREMENT PLAN [Ireland, 7 mins, 2025] - Dir. John Kelly

Retirement Plan tells the story of Ray (Domhnall Gleeson) as he fantasizes about everything he’d love to do in retirement, once he finally has the “time.” In English. This film may not be suitable for very young children. Viewer discretion is advised. 

Shortlisted Bonus Title

ÉIRU [Ireland, 13mins, 2025] - Dir. Giovanna Ferrari

When the water mysteriously disappears from the well in a warrior clan’s village, an intrepid child descends into the belly of the earth to retrieve it. Éiru is the story of a child in search of a challenge, and a goddess in search of a champion. *Shortlisted for Best Animated Short Film. In English.