Academy Establishes Two New Separate Categories For Short Films And Feature Animation

The recent restructuring within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which delineates the Short Films and Feature Animation branch into distinct Animation and Short Films branches respectively, has evoked primarily positive responses. 

Notably, members from both the animation and live-action short film communities, along with industry insiders, have long advocated for such a change, considering it as a necessary and overdue step. The decision to establish separate branches for animation and live-action shorts reflects the significant growth, commercial success, and elevated prestige these categories have attained in recent years.

Also Read: Actors Who Achieved ‘Oscar Firsts’

In the realm of animation, notable successes such as ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ and ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ clinching top spots at the domestic box office underscore the flourishing appeal of animated features. Moreover, the 2024 Oscar Shorts releases have already demonstrated remarkable global earnings, surpassing $2 million under the aegis of ShortsTV.

With approximately 700 Academy members constituting the Animation branch, this division will now administer both animated features and shorts, each category being overseen by new governors appointed for this purpose.

Concurrently, the creation of the new Short Films branch, comprising over 200 Academy members, signifies a dedicated focus on narrative and non-fiction short filmmaking. However, it's worth noting that documentary shorts will remain under the purview of the Documentary branch exclusively. 

Nevertheless, filmmakers associated with the Documentary branch will have the option to transition to the Short Films branch. Similarly, members of the Short Films branch keen on participating in the evaluation and voting process for animated features and shorts can undertake the requisite screenings and voting procedures.

Despite the overall positive reception, some within the animation community harbour apprehensions regarding the implications of this restructuring. While acknowledging the significance of animation having its dedicated branch, concerns have been raised about the potential marginalisation of shorts, particularly concerning their inclusion in the live broadcast of the Oscars.

-Sushmita Sarkar