By Crystal Justine
Crafting a story is an art. While audiences are used to seeing feature-length films, a casual moviegoer may view short films as secondary. The Oscar-nominated narrative short films of 2026 prove that thought process completely wrong. A feature film gives a writer the time and space to build depth and get the audience invested in the characters, but a true master of the craft can draw a viewer in and take them for a full ride in sometimes ten minutes or less.
To qualify for the Oscars in the category of a Narrative Short Film, whether live-action or animated, the film must meet the following criteria:
- Less than 40 minutes (including credits)
- Winning an award from an Academy-recognized film festival, complete an eligible theatrical release, or win a bronze, silver or gold medal at the 2025 Student Academy Awards
Check out each of the nominees for both Best Live Action Short and Best Animated Short, along with where to watch them.
THE SINGERS
Directed by: Sam A. Davis
Starring: Chris Smither, Will Harrington, Judah Kelly
Length: 18 minutes
Where To Watch: Netflix
Rating: 5/5
THE SINGERS is an incredible drama with some comedic aspects. By the title of the film, one might assume there will be music, but this film isn’t your typical musical experience. The cinematography is gritty and lived in. The ensemble cast does an excellent job creating a range of emotions for each of its characters.
Is there singing in THE SINGERS? Yes! And in a way that the audience will not expect. The voices heard in this film will strum on your heartstrings, and you’ll feel the bass in your soul.
A FRIEND OF DOROTHY
Directed by: Lee Knight
Starring: Miriam Margolyes, Stephen Fry, Alistair Nwachukwu
Length: 21 minutes
Where To Watch: YouTube
Rating: 4/5
A FRIEND OF DOROTHY is a heartfelt comedic drama and a quaint film that will make you smile, laugh and tear up. The aesthetic has a cozy-core vibe, while the story tells a touching tale of two unexpected friends who help each other finally feel seen.
RETIREMENT PLAN
Directed by: John Kelly
Starring: Domhnall Gleeson
Length: 7 minutes
Where To Watch: YouTube
Rating: 3.5/5
While the animation style is more on the simplistic side, the story itself is very thought-provoking. Within a short runtime of seven minutes, RETIREMENT PLAN evokes thoughts of time, aging, life goals, and how the small moments add up to make a much bigger picture. Domhnall Gleeson was the perfect voice for this piece.
FOREVERGREEN
Directed by: Nathan Engelhardt, Jeremy Spears
Length: 13 minutes
Where To Watch: YouTube
Rating: 4.5/5
FOREVERGREEN is a beautifully animated film that will make you laugh, cry and say awwwww. It’s tender story about loss, found family and mistakes we make when we don’t quite think about the consequences. A touching story that will hit you straight in the feels.
JANE AUSTEN’S PERIOD DRAMA
Directed by: Julia Aks, Steve Pinder
Starring: Julia Aks, Ta’imua, Samantha Smart
Length: 13 minutes
Where To Watch: YouTube
Rating: 4.5/5
Fans of Pride and Prejudice, come forth to watch one of the funniest shorts ever. This short film will have you laughing out loud for the entire runtime. Seeing this in theaters was a riot of laughter that didn’t stop until the film was over. A hilariously clever story many will recognize — and one women will personally know all too well.
BUTTERFLY (PAPILLON)
Directed by: Florence Miailhe
Starring: Faycal Safi, Jessica Jaouiche
Length: 15 minutes
Where To Watch: YouTube
Rating: 2.5/5
An emotional premise with deep political commentary, BUTTERFLY is a film that may be a hard watch for some. The story itself will keep you locked in, but the more fluid, less detailed art style moves like a painting through its early stages. The art will resonate with some with its oil painting aesthetic, but it may lose others with the look that can feel unfinished.
TWO PEOPLE EXCHANGING SALIVA
Directed by: Natalie Musteata, Alexandre Singh
Starring: Zar Amir Ebrahimi, Luana Bajrami, Vicky Krieps
Length: 36 minutes
Where To Watch: YouTube
Rating: 4.5/5
The most artistic of the nominees, TWO PEOPLE EXCHANGING SALIVA is the epitome of French New Wave. The world-building in this film is utterly fascinating and shocking. As the story progresses, the world these characters live in becomes just as interesting as the love story unfolding throughout. What will understandably be seen as weird to some will be a sheer work of art to others.
THE THREE SISTERS
Directed by: Konstantin Bronzit
Length: 14 minutes
Where To Watch: N/A
Rating: 3/5
THE THREE SISTERS has an almost Hallmark card-like appearance to its art style, which feels sweet and familiar. The story is much funnier than anticipated with adult humor. An enjoyable film with fun, contrasting characters.
BUTCHER’S STAIN
Directed by: Meyer Levinson-Blount
Starring: Omar Sameer, Meyer Levinson-Blount, Rona Toledano
Length: 26 minutes
Where To Watch: Kanopy
Rating: 3/5
BUTCHER’S STAIN features a few strong shots with nice cinematography, but its social commentary never quite takes a full swing. The themes are present, yet the film doesn’t take risks in fully committing to its point of view. The acting is solid, but the film runs far longer than necessary.
THE GIRL WHO CRIED PEARLS
Directed by: Chris Lavis, Maciek Szczerbowski
Starring: Colm Feore, Gabrielle Dallaire, James Hyndman
Length: 17 minutes
Where To Watch: YouTube
Rating: 4.5/5
THE GIRL WHO CRIED PEARLS is a stunning film with a story that reels you in from the start. It’s a fable about love, sorrow, and greed. Not only is the stop-motion wonderfully done, but the way the characters are crafted is very unique. Another distinctive aspect of the artwork itself is the color palette, which is cool toned but layered with hints of warmth. Easily one of the best short films of the year.
