2026 Oscar Picks Deep Dive: Live Action Film
A complex collection of 5 films under 40 minutes each!
I watched all 15 short films nominated for an Academy Award this year. In 2025, I watched them all back to back at the amazing Row House Cinemas in Pittsburgh, PA, and enjoyed the Live Action Short Film nominees with James Patrick of the Cinema Shame podcast. This year, I caught the Live Action Short Films and the Documentary Short Films solo and the Animated Short Films with our kids, splitting up viewings on three days at two local theaters, the lovely Mann Edina 4 and The Main Cinema in Minneapolis.
I’ll cross-post with deep dives on all three. But right now, let’s get to the Animated Short Film nominees in my ranked order, fifth to first:
And the Best Animated Short Film nominees are…
Butcher’s Stain | Meyer Levinson-Blount, 26 min. Israel, Hebrew, Arabic
I appreciate films that dive deep on a specific story to comment on the big picture. A Palestinian butcher is accused of removing a poster of hostages in an Israeli-owned grocery store. A story of trust and mistrust, of deception and understanding. The ending gives one plenty to think about in the midst of a very complex big picture. It’s a good film, and sadly, somebody’s gotta be fifth of five.
How to Watch: Nowhere I see, as of this writing.
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A Friend of Dorothy | Lee Night, 21 min. UK, English
Short and sweet, this English film seems simple but has plenty of depth. A young man befriends an old woman, connecting on theater scripts and prunes. Like you do. It starts in what feels like cliche territory, but it ends in delightful fun and every once in a while, I appreciate the saccharine when it’s done well. And here? It’s done well. Plus, you get two young up-and-coming actors, Alistair Nwachukwu and Oscar Lloyd, and two pillars of British comedy, Miriam Margolyes and Stephen Fry.
How to Watch: Disney+.
The Singers | San A. Davis, 18 min. USA, English
This film kicked off the screening and it was the standard for the rest of the show. I love how many little stories and character moments are packed into such a tiny film. Snapshots more than deep dives, of course, but lovely, nonetheless. And just when you want to root for this character over here, you want to root for another character over there. These men posture and compete… until they care and support. Loved it.
How to Watch: Netflix.
Jane Austen’s Period Drama | Julia Aks and Steve Pinder, 13 min. USA, English
This is so funny! I don’t want to spoil it, because it’s only 13 minutes and as of this writing you can watch it on YouTube for free, so you should just go do that. I loved the satire, the performances, and especially the word play. I won’t show all of these to my family, but we’ll sit down to check this one out together soon and I think we’re all in for a treat. This was my very close second choice, so enjoy, Dear Reader.
How to Watch: YouTube.
Two People Exchanging Saliva | Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Singh., 37 min. France, French
At first, I didn’t know what to make of this. Then I realized oh, this is French. Makes sense. ‘Cause it’s weird. Weird in that way only the French could do, and once you open yourself to that, you’re in for an amazing ride. It’s not French New Wave Nouvelle Vague because it’s too polished. And it’s not Cinema du Look because there’s plenty of narrative to go along with the stylized visuals. Two people fall in love in a world where kissing is forbidden, punishable by death. Can they and their love survive in such a world? Again, what a French film premise, I love it!
How to Watch: YouTube.
Will Win: Jane Austen’s Period Drama
While I do think they’re all great and I think Two People Exchanging Saliva has a good chance, the Academy can surprise you. I didn’t see I Am Not a Robot winning over the amazing A Lien last year, but the voters went for the comedy. Maybe they award something light in the midst of so much heavy? We’ll see.
Should Win: Two People Exchanging Saliva
Watching this one brought me back to film school and analyzing cinema from around the world. That nostalgic sensibility is part of my bias, but it’s also a great short film. IF you don’t like the weird, eh, just try it. It’s 37 minutes with credits and it’s fascinating.
Your turn!
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Glad you’re here today, Dear Reader. God’s peace and good movies to you!