2020 Oscar-Nominated Short Films: Animation

Dry eyes will be hard to find during this year's collection of Oscar-Nominated Animated Short Films. From the heartstring-tugging companionship of a neurotic kitten and an abused pit bull to a staggering commentary on China's one-child policy, the five animated shorts selected by the Academy this year are an eclectic group of emotional gut punches.

In "Dcera (Daughter)," a 15-minute film from the Czech Republic, a woman reflects on her childhood memories while sitting by her father as he slowly fades away in a hospital bed. It's arguably the weakest of the five films, yet its compelling animation is chaotic and always uncomfortably close to its characters, creating a sense of intimate immediacy that is hard to shake. A great (and better) companion piece to this film is "Sister," a Chinese/American co-production that humorously portrays one man's memories of growing up with an annoying younger sister. However, anyone familiar with 1990s China and their one-child policy, it's clear where the story of this 8-minute short is going... and it's a heartbreaker.

You may also find yourself tearing up at two nominees that are a bit more mainstream -- Sony Pictures Animation's "Hair Love" and Disney/Pixar's "Kitbull." In the former, a young black girl attempts to do her hair on a school morning, as does her father (much to his chagrin). There's plenty of humor to spare in the film's opening minutes, but it progresses into something surprisingly moving as it reaches its final moments. In "Kitbull," a street feline befriends a pit bull who is being abused by his owners. (It's suggested that the pit bull is being forced to participate in dog fights.) Despite its focus on animal abuse, it's the most charming and overwhelmingly emotional entry of the bunch. You'll cry, but your tears will be of joy, not sadness.

As for "Memorable," the strongest short of the bunch, the waves of emotion you'll feel may vary. In a gorgeously textured animation style that reminded me of Charlie Kaufman's "Anomalisa," this 12-minute film by Bruno Collet follows an aging painter and his wife, the former slowly slipping into dementia and the latter left to deal with the aftermath. The film's portrayal of dementia is strikingly powerful, with the protagonist's world being turned into painterly landscapes and abstract characters. In its final moment, "Memorable" becomes something of sheer beauty that leaves you breathless. This one's hard to beat.

Predicted Winner: "Memorable"