Animation Film and 2025 Oscar Animation Category Nominees

By Birgül Tombul

What is an Animation Film?

Animation films are created by generating a series of static images drawn in sequence and rapidly flipping through them to produce a motion effect. Each frame is designed with minimal variations to achieve the intended movement, and when played quickly, they create the illusion of motion. For instance, cartoons are a form of animation. The earliest animated films emerged in the early 1900s. The first animation experiment was conducted in 1908 by French illustrator and animator Émile Cohl with his film Fantasmagorie. This early hand-drawn animation is considered groundbreaking by film historians. In 1928, Walt Disney used animation in Steamboat Willie, garnering significant attention. Over time, Disney became synonymous with animation, and even today, many iconic animated characters owe their popularity to him.

Naturally, modern animated films are no longer composed of individually drawn frames. Just as every aspect of the film industry has evolved, so has animation production. 3D animation is now used not only for films but also in architectural visualization, gaming, and many other fields. In film production, the use of procedural animation and ragdoll technology has brought us closer to achieving hyper-realistic results. With advancements in software and artificial intelligence, animated films have reached an impressive level of quality and realism. Each new technology fuels curiosity and excitement about what the future holds.

The Power and Audience of Short Animation

As we can see, animation is not just a genre that entertains children. It also appeals to adults, addressing issues relevant to the adult world in creative ways. While animation is entertaining, its sole purpose is not just amusement—it makes us think, reflect, and even discover solutions. Because of this, animation remains a beloved and indispensable art form. It is a highly attractive category for streaming platforms, drawing a dedicated audience that follows new animated releases closely. Film festivals have also begun to place greater emphasis on animated films and are more selective in their choices.

The Importance of Short Animation

Short animation follows the same principles as short films. It allows animation’s power to be conveyed to the audience in a brief amount of time. Just like short films, a well-crafted short animation effectively delivers its message with ease. While vibrant colors and visual effects are animation’s key strengths, content and messaging also hold significant importance.

Short animated films are often preferred over full-length animated features by both audiences and creators for several reasons. The cost of producing a full-length animated film can be prohibitively high. Therefore, the short film approach helps cut costs while keeping the audience engaged and delivering a clear message without distraction. Short animations are also more accessible for streaming platforms. Additionally, they provide emerging animators with an opportunity to test their skills. Short animations allow for easier experimentation with new animation technologies. From an audience perspective, shorter runtimes appeal to those who do not want to commit to a lengthy film. As a growing trend, modern audiences value new experiences, and short animations provide a perfect medium for this.

Examples of Notable Animated Films

Animated films allow us to transcend the limits of reality, making them an excellent choice for storytelling. They can effortlessly bypass constraints of time and space, and even exceed human physical capabilities. Since animation appeals to both children and adults, it captivates audiences of all ages with engaging narratives that blend fantasy with entertainment. Short animated films, much like their live-action counterparts, sometimes convey messages even more effectively. The use of vibrant colors, boundless creativity, and unique storytelling techniques makes animation a powerful medium.

Here are some remarkable animated films that I personally enjoyed:

1. Mondo Domino – This film brilliantly satirizes society’s obsession with consumption. The cheerful workers singing while chopping down trees soon find themselves in chaos, exposing the environmental destruction they cause. The film leaves the audience questioning their own participation in this global issue.
2. Migrants – A deeply moving drama that explores the intersection of environmental crises and forced migration. The story follows a mother and baby polar bear forced to leave their home due to climate change. However, they face rejection and discrimination upon arriving in a new place, drawing parallels to the harsh realities of human migration today.
3. Chez Moi – A beautifully crafted animated drama about a young boy struggling to accept his mother’s new partner. The absence of dialogue makes the emotions even more powerful, showcasing the child’s internal battle through stunning animation and visual metaphors.
4. Balance – An Oscar-winning animated short that explores the delicate balance of life and the consequences of greed. The film illustrates how personal ambitions and societal struggles can easily disrupt harmony, making it a profound philosophical piece.
5. Sous La Glace – A gripping story about survival, ambition, and the lengths one is willing to go for sustenance. A bird struggles to find food after a lake freezes over, leading to a dramatic conclusion that mirrors human greed and desperation.
6. Miles to Fly – A heartwarming animated drama about a boy who dreams of becoming a pilot. As he works toward his goal, he faces difficult choices, particularly when his devoted mother falls ill. The film beautifully captures the tension between personal ambition and familial responsibility.

Oscar 2025 Short Animation Category Nominees

The 97th Academy Awards in 2025 feature five exceptional short animated films. Each nominee showcases unique storytelling, creativity, and artistic execution. Here are the contenders:

• In The Shadow of The Cypress (Iran) – A touching story about a father and daughter struggling to connect, featuring no dialogue but deeply emotive animation.
• Magic Candies (Japan) – Based on a beloved children’s book, this 21-minute short took four years to complete.
• Wander to Wonder (UK) – A visually captivating short following three miniature performers, winner of the BAFTA Best Animated Short award.
• Yuck! (France) – A charming and nostalgic story about first love and childhood transitions.
• Beautiful Men (Belgium-France-Netherlands) – A humorous take on three brothers traveling to Turkey for hair transplants, offering an amusing commentary on modern beauty standards.

The 2025 Oscar race for Best Animated Short is highly competitive, and we eagerly await the results. Regardless of the winner, these films exemplify the artistry and innovation driving the animation industry forward. Best of luck to all the nominees!