2025 Oscar Nominated Short Films
Various directors

For the 20th consecutive year, ShortsTV presents the Oscar-Nominated Short Films, opening on Friday, February 14-Sunday, March 2. With all three categories offered – Animated, Live Action, and Documentary – this is your annual chance to predict the winners (and have the edge in your Oscar pool)! A perennial hit with audiences around the country and the world, don’t miss this year’s selection of shorts. The Academy Awards take place Sunday, March 2.

Live Action Short Films

Running time: Approximately 100 minutes. Recommended for 16+

A Lien
Directed by David Cutler-Kreutz and Sam Cutler-Kreutz

On the day of their green card interview, a young couple confronts a dangerous immigration process. 2023, U.S., DCP, 15 minutes.

Anuja
Directed by Adam J. Graves

When a gifted 9-year-old girl, who works in a garment factory, is offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend school, she is forced to make a heart-wrenching decision that will determine her and her sister’s fate. 2024, U.S., DCP, in Hindi with English subtitles, 22 minutes.

I’m Not a Robot (Ik ben geen robot)
Directed by Victoria Warmerdam

After repeatedly failing Captcha tests, music producer Lara becomes obsessed with a disturbing question: could she be a robot? 2023, Belgium/The Netherlands, DCP, in Dutch with English subtitles, 22 minutes.

The Last Ranger
Directed by Cindy Lee

When young Litha is introduced to the magic of a game reserve by the last remaining ranger, they are ambushed by poachers. In the ensuing battle to save the rhinos, Litha discovers a terrible secret. 2024, South Africa, DCP, in Xhosa with English subtitles, 28 minutes.

The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent (Covjek koji nije mogao sutjeti)
Directed by Nebojsa Slijepcevic

Set in 1993 within Bosnia and Herzegovina, a passenger train is stopped by paramilitary forces in an ethnic cleansing operation. As they haul off innocent civilians, only one man out of 500 passengers dares to stand up to them. 2024, Croatia, DCP, in Croatian with English subtitles, 13 minutes.

Animated Short Films

Approximate running time: 86 minutes. Recommended for 16+

Beautiful Men
Directed by Nicolas Keppens

The insecurities of three bald brothers intensify during their stay in an Istanbul hotel for hair transplants. 2023; Belgium/France/The Netherlands; DCP; in Flemish, Dutch, Turkish and English with English subtitles; 18 minutes.

In the Shadow of the Cypress
Directed by Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi

Living in a house by the sea with his daughter, a former captain who has post-traumatic stress disorder leads a tough and secluded life. 2023, Iran, DCP, no dialogue, 20 minutes.

Magic Candies
Directed by Daisuke Nishio

The other kids at the park never ask Dong-Dong to play. That’s ok. He’s fine just playing marbles on his own. One day, he buys a bag of colorful candies instead of new marbles. The first time he pops one of them into his mouth, his old sofa starts talking to him. The two share an unexpected conversation before the sweet melts away. 2024, Japan, DCP, in Japanese with English subtitles, 21 minutes.

Wander to Wonder
Directed by Nina Gantz

In the 1980s, Mary, Billybud and Fumbleton starred in the children’s television program Wander to Wonder. They are left alone in the studio after the show’s originator passed away. 2023, The Netherlands/Belgium/France/U.K., DCP, 14 minutes.

Yuck! (Beurk!)
Directed by Loïc Espuche

Kissing on the mouth is disgusting. But secretly, little Léo really wants to try it at summer camp. 2024, France, DCP, in French with English subtitles, 13 minutes.

Documentary Short Films

Approximate running time: 157 minutes plus 15-minute intermission. Recommended for 16+

Death By Numbers
Directed by Kim A. Snyder

Four years after being shot with an AR-15 in her high school, Samantha Fuentes reckons with existential questions of hatred and justice as she prepares to confront her shooter. 2024, U.S., DCP, 33 minutes.

I Am Ready, Warden
Directed by Smriti Mundhra

John Henry Ramirez is convicted of murder and sentenced to death in the state of Texas. During his incarceration, Ramirez tries to reach out to his victim’s son while also preparing to say goodbye to his family. 2024, U.S., DCP, 37 minutes.

Incident
Directed by Bill Morrison

This compelling film reconstructs a 2018 police shooting in Chicago, reassembling the event and its immediate aftermath from a variety of sources including surveillance, CCTV, dashboard cams, and bod-worn cameras, a s synchronized split screen montage. 2023, U.S., DCP, 30 minutes.

Instruments of a Beating Heart
Directed by Ema Ryan Yamazaki

First graders in a Tokyo public elementary school are presented with a challenge for the final semester: performing Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” at the ceremony for the new incoming first graders. Ayame, who often struggles to keep up with the group, is determined to play a major part–the big drum. 2024, Japan, DCP, in Japanese with English subtitles, 23 minutes.

The Only Girl in the Orchestra
Directed by Molly O’Brien

This unsung hero story celebrates trailblazing musician Orin O’Brien and the double bass she plays in the New York Philharmonic. 2023, U.S., DCP, 34 minutes.