2011 OSCARS: Short Film Animated, Short Film Live Action

Here is the first installment in our Oscar Watch column. Over the next few days, we will go through each of the nominees, offering up our thoughts, predictions and tips on how to enjoy the many films vying for Oscar gold.

First up are two categories with movies that no one has probably heard of before.

BEST SHORT FILM ANIMATED

• Day & Night — Teddy Newton
• The Gruffalo — Jakob Schuh and Max Lang
• Let’s Pollute — Geefwee Boedoe
• The Lost Thing — Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann
• Madagascar, a Journey Diary — Bastien Dubois

Thoughts: Well, except for Day & Night, I have not seen any of these short films. For interested moviegoers, check out the IFC Center in New York City (click here), where you can purchase one ticket and see all of the nominees in one showing. Often, this category is when most people get up and head to the bathroom during the Oscar telecast, but there have been some gems in these categories over the years. And often the winners go on to be big names in the industry.

Who Will Win: Day & Night (never, ever vote against Pixar; that’s akin to voting against the family, and you may find a horse head in your bed if you do).

Who Should Win: Day & Night (though admittedly I haven’t seen the other nominees)

BEST SHORT FILM LIVE ACTION

• The Confession — Tanel Toom
• The Crush — Michael Creagh
• God of Love — Luke Matheny
• Na Wewe — Ivan Goldschmidt
• Wish 143 — Ian Barnes and Samantha Waite

Thoughts: Unfortunately I have no thoughts on these nominees. I haven’t see any of them. But again, if you’re interested, check out the IFC Center in New York City, where you can see them on one bill.

Who Will Win: The Crush (total guess)

Who Should Win: I’m just going to say The Crush, for no real reason.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

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