2019 Oscar Nominated Shorts - Animated

I have to travel next week and won't likely get to screen any more of the Oscar Nominated Shorts. I had to choose between Documentaries and Animated. I went with the Animated Shorts because the Documentary Shorts are divided into two films (A and B). I don't have time to see them both, so I chose the option that allowed me to see a complete set of nominees. These shorts, like the Live Action, were not narrated, but did show the team reactions when their film was chosen as a finalist. It also contained a couple of films that were "Honorable Mention." The Live Action films were all very dark and dealt with death. Conversely, the animated films were about family and seemed to deal more with life. The animated films were far better than the choices for live action. I will list the films in the order they appeared along with my ratings, followed by my Oscar Predictions.

Bao (USA)

My wife and I screened Incredibles 2 at the theater last year. We were treated to Bao before the film, so we have seen this one before. I thought back then that this film had potential to win the Oscar for best short animated film. The film appealed to me on two levels. First, it is about family. Second, it is about food. Food defines our culture, but it also defines our relationships. Meals are often the only time a family comes together during a hectic day. And that may not happen daily. This film takes a very unique look at family dynamics through food. It is classic. The film says a mouthful without a stitch of dialogue. Eight minutes. 9/10.

Late Afternoon (Ireland)

Ireland landed a short in both the animated and live action categories. This film examines family relationships through the unfocused lens of alzheimer's disease. Images move with a fluidity that creates an ebb and flow of memory that is more liquid than linear. Using limited dialogue and simple, colorful animation, the film manages to create a touching moment that those of us who have witnessed the erosion caused by Alzheimer's can cling to as poignant. Ten minutes. 7.5/10.

Animal Behavior (Canada)

Canada also landed films in both short categories, with two in the live action category. This film is a humorous look at therapy. A dog therapist attempts to console a leach, pig, cat and preying mantis. But things get sketchy when they must address the 300 pound gorilla in the room. The film features interesting dialogue that has fun with the characteristics of various animals. Even the therapists admits his struggles with the urge to stick his nose in the behind of other dogs. "It's like apple pie." The film is silly, but engaging. It felt a tad bit long. Fourteen minutes. 6/10.

Weekends (USA)

Weekends is the second nomination from the United States. It also seems to run a bit long. Minimal to no dialogue was another theme in the animated shorts this year. Weekends had no dialogue, choosing to tell the story visually. It focuses on a young boy whose parents are separated or divorced. The changing dynamics of his family are viewed through his shifting custody and his parents' changing relationships. I liked this film, but thought it was a bit too slow and a tinge long. Sixteen minutes. 6.5/10.

One Small Step (USA/China)

Continuing the theme of dialogue free animation, One Small Step provides insight into a family relationship. A young girl who lives with her elderly relative has dreams of being an astronaut. As they age, we witness their changing relationship. Her dreams seem to become sidetracked, but are posthumously renewed through an unexpected discovery. This film told a lot of story within a short framework. I liked it. Eight minutes. 8/10.

That wraps up the nominees. There were two honorable mentions which I will discuss before giving my observations on who I think will win.

Wishing Box (USA)

Wishing Box is a silly examination of a pirate who discovers a magical chest. For the pirate, the box is empty. For his chimpanzee sidekick, whatever the chimp is thinking, the chimp pulls from the box. The pirate has little use for bananas. So he attempts to communicate his desire for gems, money, gold or other things of value. It is a typical warning to be careful what you wish for. Five minutes. 7/10.

Tweet Tweet (Russia)

Tweet Tweet should have made the top five. It is better than either Weekends or Animal Behavior. It is an interesting examination of our life cycle through a time line that has a physical representation. The line changes with time, adapting to the story, which does not have dialogue. It was an endearing film that used its vibrant imagery for maximum effect. It was exceptionally well done. Eleven minutes. 8/10.

Who Should Win

Bao - Bao is such a well constructed film, it should absolutely win. There is no need for me to add the category "Who WILL Win..." Bao will win. I really don't see any of these other films competing with it. They were all decent, but Bao was head and shoulders above the rest. The animation is crisp, as one would expect from Pixar. The story is endearing and has a massive amount of meaning crammed into such a short message. This was an excellent film and absolutely should win. Hands down.

Dark Horse

One Small Step - I am including a dark horse because I always include a dark horse. And because of Pixar. Some voters may choose to go with an unknown or lesser known studio. Pixar has a lot of talent and resources. If one were to look elsewhere, simply because Pixar has such a huge advantage, One Small Step would be an easy out. It is an endearing story. It is not too long. It has a similar message. The characters are endearing. Most importantly, it comes from Taiko Studios. This one could sneak in for the win.

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