From a 65+ list of qualified films, the Academy has narrowed the Animated Short Subject category to 10 contenders today. It’s a list that is very kind to films that have been released online, as 4 of the 10 films are Short of the Week selections, and 3 of the 10 can be viewed officially online at the moment. The films are listed below, with those now available to watch at the top. 

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Cradle,” Devon Manney, director (University of Southern California)

Premiering on our site last week, this student film about a returning veteran was a Student Academy winner which qualified it for Oscar. (Editor: due to licensing agreements, this film is now offline)

“Fox and the Whale,” Robin Joseph, director (Robin Joseph)

An absolutely gorgeous passion project from the Canadian animator, we gushed about it in a review from October.

“In a Heartbeat,” Esteban Bravo and Beth David, directors (Ringling College of Art and Design)

The online short film phenomena of the year online, this sweet student film about a young scholar’s gay crush melted the internet’s heart back in August. Our Review

“Garden Party,” Victor Caire and Gabriel Grapperon, directors (MOPA)

Sporting the best CG we’ve seen in ages, this French short was featured on the site in October, but has since been taken down. 

“Negative Space,” Max Porter and Ru Kuwahata, directors (Ikki Films)

From longtime faves Tiny Inventions, this pitch perfect short isn’t online right now, but did receive a limited online release from the Europe’s Arte in October. 

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“Dear Basketball,” Glen Keane, director, and Kobe Bryant, writer (Glen Keane Productions)

Animation legend Glen Keane provides images to NBA great Kobe Bryant’s farewell poem. Long considered an Oscar front-runner due to the sheer star power. 

“Life Smartphone,” Chenglin Xie, director (China Central Academy of Fine Arts)

A pick of Sundance’s in 2016, this cute Chinese work has had a long journey to Oscar, and is almost there!

“Lost Property Office,” Daniel Agdag, director, and Liz Kearney, producer (8th in Line)

Stunning stop-mo from Australia just won the country’s equivalent to Oscar, the AACTA. 

“Lou,” Dave Mullins, director, and Dana Murray, producer (Pixar Animation Studios)

Pixar won last year with Piper, can they do two in a row? Dave Mullins hopes so. 

“Revolting Rhymes,” Jakob Schuh and Jan Lachauer, directors (Magic Light Pictures)

Anytime you adapt Roald Dahl you’re on the right track. We don’t know too much about this BBC production, but what we’ve seen is enticing.