2026 Oscar-Nominated Live Action Shorts

Ragtag Cinema proudly presents the Live Action 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 contain adult language, adult themes and sensual images. Recommended for persons 17 and up. Treat this program as a 'R' - rated. Viewer discretion advised.

Film program (Listed in run order)

THE SINGERS [United States, 18 mins, 2025] - Dir. Sam A. Davis

The Singers is a short film adaptation of a 19th-century short story written by Ivan Turgenev, in which a lowly pub full of downtrodden patrons connect unexpectedly through an impromptu sing-off. With a cast comprised of viral video singing talents and other one-of-a-kind personalities from the unlikeliest corners of the internet, the film is an experimental docu-musical hybrid crafted like an improvisational play. In English.

A FRIEND OF DOROTHY [United Kingdom, 21 mins, 2025] - Dir. Lee Knight

Dorothy (Miriam Margolyes) is a lonely widow whose body is failing, but her mind remains as bright as ever. When 17-year-old JJ (Alistair Nwachukwu) accidentally kicks his football into her garden, he upends Dorothy’s daily routine of pills, prunes and crosswords, and an unlikely friendship blossoms. Despite being worlds apart in every way, the two come to find they have more in common than they could ever imagine. In English

BUTCHER'S STAIN [Israel, 26 mins, 2025] - Dir. Meyer Levinson-Blount

Samir (Omar Sameer), a Palestinian butcher working at an Israeli supermarket, is accused of tearing down the Israeli hostage posters in the break room. Samir sets out to prove his innocence in order to keep his job he desperately needs. In Hebrew & Arabic with English subtitles.

TWO PEOPLE EXCHANGING SALIVA [France & United States, 36 mins, 2024] - Dirs. Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Singh

Executive produced by Isabelle Huppert and Julianne Moore, Two People Exchanging Saliva explores a dystopian world where kissing is punishable by death. In French with English subtitles.

JANE AUSTEN'S PERIOD DRAMA [United States, 12 mins, 2024] - Dirs. Steve Pinder and Julia Aks

England, 1813. Miss Estrogenia “Essy” Talbot (Julia Aks) gets her period during a long-awaited marriage proposal. Mr. Dickley (Ta’imua) mistakes the blood for an injury and rushes off to fetch a doctor. While he’s gone, Essy’s sisters plead with her not to imperil her engagement by telling Mr. Dickley the truth. But when he returns, Essy barrels ahead, sharing every little bloody detail. In English.