The 97th Academy Awards, set for March 2, 2025, have unveiled their nominations for Best Animated Short Film, showcasing an eclectic mix of styles, narratives, and cultural influences. As the final votes are cast between February 11-18, the competition remains tight, with industry experts split over which film will take home the golden statue.
The Nominees:
- Beautiful Men (Belgium, France, Netherlands) – Dir. Nicolas Keppens
- In the Shadow of the Cypress (Iran) – Dir. Hossein Molayemi & Shirin Sohani
- Magic Candies (Japan) – Dir. Daisuke Nishio
- Wander to Wonder (Netherlands) – Dir. Nina Gantz
- Yuck! (France) – Dir. Loïc Espuche
Each nominee represents a unique approach to animated storytelling, making this one of the most exciting categories of the year.
Analyzing the Race: Who Has the Edge?
The Industry Favorite: Wander to Wonder
Nina Gantz's Wander to Wonder has dominated the festival circuit since its 2023 Venice Film Festival debut, earning accolades worldwide, including Best British Short Animation at the BAFTAs. A stop-motion masterpiece, it follows the abandoned puppet characters of a defunct 1980s children's TV show struggling to survive. Technically impressive and emotionally rich, it's a film that celebrates animation's ability to explore deep, sometimes unsettling themes. However, its darker tone may not align with the Academy's tendency to favor lighter, more universally appealing fare.
The Crowd-Pleaser: Yuck!
Loïc Espuche's Yuck! (Beurk!) has been turning heads for its deceptively simple, yet deeply resonant story. Following a group of kids horrified by public displays of affection at a holiday camp, this French 2D animated short is both comedic and insightful, capturing the innocence of childhood disgust and the transition into understanding human connection. Its vibrant aesthetic, sharp humor, and broad accessibility make it a strong contender.
The Underdog: In the Shadow of the Cypress
This Iranian 2D animation, directed by Hossein Molayemi & Shirin Sohani, offers a poignant tale of a PTSD-stricken former captain and his daughter, set against the backdrop of an unexpected whale's arrival. Rich in visual poetry, this film could resonate with voters looking for an emotional gut punch, but its subtle, contemplative storytelling might struggle to stand out against flashier competitors.
The Dark Horse: Beautiful Men
A surreal blend of reality and fantasy, Beautiful Men tells the story of three bald brothers traveling to Istanbul for hair transplants. Evoking the whimsical yet melancholic tones of Fellini, it delves into themes of masculinity, aging, and self-image. While widely praised, its abstract storytelling could divide voters.
The Wildcard: Magic Candies
Japan's sole representative, Magic Candies, directed by Daisuke Nishio, brings a playful, CG-animated tale about a boy who discovers that his candies let him hear voices. While it boasts a strong conceptual hook and stunning visuals, the Academy historically leans towards hand-drawn or stop-motion films in this category.
Final Prediction: Who Will Win?
Projected Winner: Yuck! (Beurk!) – Loïc Espuche
The film's combination of humor, accessibility, and emotional depth gives it an edge. The Academy has shown a recent preference for animated shorts with broad appeal, and Yuck! delivers an engaging narrative while maintaining artistic credibility.
Runner-Up: Wander to Wonder – Nina Gantz
If the Academy is in the mood for a more ambitious, technical achievement, Wander to Wonder could take the prize. However, its darker themes might not resonate as widely as Yuck!
Final Thoughts
The Best Animated Short Film category often presents one of the most unpredictable races at the Oscars. While Yuck! seems positioned to win, surprises are always possible. The sheer quality of this year's nominees demonstrates the evolving landscape of animated storytelling, with international filmmakers pushing the medium in exciting new directions.
What Do You Think?
Which of these animated shorts do you think will take home the Oscar? Do you prefer heartwarming humor, intricate stop-motion, or emotionally profound narratives? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Beautiful Men Short Film
In The Shadow of The Cypress Short Film
Magic Candies Short Film
Wander to Wonder Short Film
Yuck! Short Film
