This article and list contain the animated shorts that have been Oscar-qualified for the 99th Academy Awards (2027), and we have covered them at length in any form (interviews or reviews) at Zippy Frames. Different techniques, countries, and directors' personalities, yet with a point of view and aesthetics worth stating.

This curated list does not include all Oscar-qualified animation shorts, but the ones we feel merit a special place in our indie animation talk -whether or not they will eventually be shortlisted or nominated. It doesn't imply that some films are 'better' than others; it just highlights films that deserve a special focus and could stay in the conversation beyond the Oscar season.

Our coverage (from different contributors) ranges from before the 2027 Oscar season to very recently -and we'll update in the coming days. For the full list of Oscar-qualified animation shorts for the 99th Academy Awards, check the list presented at Animation Magazine.

Entries are sorted alphabetically

Oscar-Qualifying Animation Shorts 2027: Our Coverage

'Cosmonauts', dir. Leo Černic

On an intergalactic cruise for singles, lonely souls chase a kiss, a caress, or just a glimpse of love among the stars.
Qualified at Animest Festival and via theatrical exhibition

Why we chose the film: For its daring celestial iconography to tell a story of lonely people of all diversities in need of connection.
'Cosmonauts' interview

'Dog Alone', dir. Marta Reis Andrade

A dog was abandoned in its own home at the time when my grandfather began to experience his widowhood and I was returning from London, a place where I felt lonelier than ever.
Qualified at Cinanima Festival (Grand Prix)

Why we chose this film: It tells a story of longing and homecoming, using a subtle and meticulously symbolic road to move you emotionally.
'Dog Alone' review

'God Is Shy' (2025), dir. Jocelyn Charles

During a train ride, Ariel and Paul pass the time sketching their deepest fears. Their game takes an unexpected turn when Gilda, a mysterious passenger, intrudes on their exchange. Yet, her relationship with fear seems far less innocent than their playful drawings.
Qualified at the 2025 Bucheon International Animation Festival

Why we chose this film: For its archetypal horror that comes from the realization that we still lack all kinds of info for our existence, yet we still have to live -even if distorted- in this world.
'God Is Shy' review

'Melk' (2026), dir. Filip Anthonissen

After Charel kills his mother’s favorite fish, he runs away from home. When he returns, determined to make amends, all hell breaks loose.
Qualified at the 2026 Locarno Film Festival (Pardino d'Oro)

Why we chose this film: It's a family story of abandonment beautifully wrapped up in a horrendous thriller-mind, ancient Greek tragedy in 3D animation.
"Melk' Interview

'Paper Trail' (2025), dir. Don Hertzfeldt

A 14-minute high-speed study of someone's life, seen only through pieces of paper
Qualified at the 2025 Annecy Festival

Why we chose this film: It affects you with the straightforward premise of time passing, but its meticulously drawn transitions make it an effortless and rewarding experience.
'Paper Trail' review

'Paradaïz', dir. Matea Radic

Welcome to a place where the houses have holes, tomatoes are ticking time bombs, and snails wander the streets in search of a safe space. In Paradaïz, Sarajevo-born artist Matea Radic uses absurdist animation, archival images and her own slippery childhood memories to explore the real meaning of home.
Qualified at DOK Leipzig (Golden Dove)

Why we chose this film: For its approach to stream-of-consciousness to tell a childhood traumatic story which still feels very contemporary
'Paradaïz' interview

''Sulaimani' (2025), dir. Vinnie Ann Bose

In a Parisian restaurant, two women from Kerala find memories resurfacing through flavors and sounds, revealing bittersweet emotions of uprooting, family ties, and emancipation.
Qualified at Aspen Shortsfest (Best Animation)

Why we chose this film: It brings, via 2D animation and stop-motion animation, the highly complex cultural environment migrants need to navigate and puts the women agents in close focus 
'Sulaimani' Review

'The Flesh Dress' (2026), dir. Joachim Hérissé

John, an old nostalgic tailor, makes his wife work on dresses out of fashion. A macabre event inspires the designer's new dress, gorgeous but freaky.
Qualified at LA Shorts International Film Festival (Best Animation)

Why we chose this film: It suggests that love isn't necessarily innocent, and that the stop-motion puppet stitches of a relationship can sometimes break loose.
'The Flesh Dress' review

FAQs

How do animated shorts qualify for an Oscar?

In two ways.

(a) Either by a US theatrical release (paid admission) in one of the six qualifying US metro areas for at least seven consecutive days in the same commercial motion picture theatre (daily screenings). Eligible areas are: Los Angeles County; City of New York [five boroughs]; the Bay Area [counties of San Francisco, Marin, Alameda, San Mateo and Contra Costa]; Chicago [Cook County, Illinois]; Dallas-Fort Worth [Dallas County, Tarrant County, Texas]; and Atlanta [Fulton County, Georgia].

OR

(b) The film must have won a qualifying award at a competitive film festival, as specified in the 99th Academy Awards Short Film Qualifying Festival List. Proof of the award must be submitted with the entry

Check the full list of Oscar-Qualifying Festivals for Animation Shorts

How do student animated shorts qualify for an Oscar?

Student films are only eligible if they win an Oscar-qualifying festival or a Student Academy Award, and they cannot qualify with a theatrical release. In particular, the film must have won a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medal award in the Academy’s 2026 Student Academy Awards competition in the Animation or Alternative/Experimental categories.

 Where can I watch the Oscar-qualifying animated shorts of 2027?

There is no specific place to watch all Oscar-qualifying animated shorts of 2027. Some animated shorts go online for a limited or longer period from their respective producers/ distributors, like the NFB's  'Paradaïz'  by Matea Radic. For film and animation industry professionals, The Animation Showcase is an animation platform that hosts (by ticket or invitation) a number of 2027 Oscar-qualified animated shorts. At Zippy Frames, we update our previous animation coverage and inform you when a certain animated short goes online.

How many animated shorts have qualified for the 2027 Oscars?

The exact number varies because there are several ways an animated short can qualify for an Oscar, and these aren't always tracked (and sometimes two or three different qualifying festivals can award the same film, or award films that have already participated in the previous Oscar run). Current lists show 70+ animation shorts, but this number could increase.

The fact that a film is qualified doesn't necessarily mean it's automatically considered by Academy Award members. The production company needs to officially submit the Oscar-qualified film to the 2027 Academy Awards.

When is the Oscar shortlist for animated short film announced?

15 December 2026

Has an animated short ever won the Academy Award outright?

The category of the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film has existed under different labels since 1931/32, with 'Flowers and Trees' (Walt Disney) winning the first Oscar statuette. The 2026 winner was the stop-motion animation film 'The Girl Who Cried Pearls' by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski.