The difficulty with evaluating the Oscar nominated shorts is that many of the short films are not widely released. Pixar has been screening shorts worldwide with its feature films, but many of the other studios’ films tend to evade Oscar viewers. Five animated shorts have been nominated for an Academy Award this year: Dimanche, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, Pixar’s La Luna, A Morning Stroll, and Wild Life. Check out plot synopses, clips and trailers from all the nominees after the jump!
Dimanche / Sunday
Directed by: Patrick Doyon
Produced by: National Film Board of Canada
Every Sunday, it’s the same old routine! The train clatters through the village and almost shakes the pictures off the wall. In the church, Dad dreams about his toolbox. And of course later Grandma will get a visit and the animals will meet their fate.
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore
Directed by: William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg
Produced by: Moonbot Studios
Inspired, in equal measures, by Hurricane Katrina, Buster Keaton, The Wizard of Oz, and a love for books, “Morris Lessmore” is a story of people who devote their lives to books and books who return the favor. Morris Lessmore is a poignant, humorous allegory about the curative powers of story. Using a variety of techniques (miniatures, computer animation, 2D animation) award winning author/ illustrator William Joyce and Co-director Brandon Oldenburg present a new narrative experience that harkens back to silent films and M-G-M Technicolor musicals. “Morris Lessmore” is old fashioned and cutting edge at the same time.
La Luna
Directed by: Enrico Casarosa
Produced by: Pixar Animation Studios
La Luna is the timeless fable of a young boy who is coming of age in the most peculiar of circumstances. Tonight is the very first time his Papa and Grandpa are taking him to work. In an old wooden boat they row far out to sea, and with no land in sight, they stop and wait. A big surprise awaits the little boy as he discovers his family’s most unusual line of work. Should he follow the example of his Papa, or his Grandpa? Will he be able to find his own way in the midst of their conflicting opinions and timeworn traditions?
A Morning Stroll
Directed by: Grant Orchard
Produced by: STUDIO AKA
When a New Yorker walks past a chicken on his morning stroll, we’re left to wonder which one is the real city slicker…
Wild Life
Directed by: Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby
Produced by: National Film Board of Canada
In 1909, a dapper young remittance man is sent from England to Alberta to attempt ranching. However, his affection for badminton, bird watching and liquor leaves him little time for wrangling cattle. It soon becomes clear that nothing in his refined upbringing has prepared him for the harsh conditions of the New World. This animated short is about the beauty of the prairie, the pang of being homesick and the folly of living dangerously out of context.
The Academy Awards air live on ABC on February 26.
