By Amit Russell Gicelter
April 25, 2025
>>> Originally Posted on Raindance Film Festival Magazine: https://raindance.org/what-makes-an-oscar-worthy-animated-short/
Is it pure luck?
Not really!
While there isn’t a scientific formula for creating an Oscar-worthy animated short, there are certain things you can do to craft a worthy and eventually noticeable film to be proud of.
Ultimately it comes down to creativity, a strong vision, and an understanding of storytelling that captures audiences quickly.
Time isn’t a barrier
Short films are just like feature films, except you have one big advantage: your audience’s full attention. With limited time to engage viewers, storytelling becomes even more crucial. Yes, yes, everyone tells you that, even back in your uni days. But one thing I’ve noticed is how important it is for the story to be cross-culturally relevant. A film should connect with people no matter where they are in the world, transcending language and cultural barriers.
Tearing down those walls
It doesn’t have to be an emotional or epic tale, it could be based on a joke, a scary concept, or even a simple, relatable experience. The world you build with your characters will open a doorway to people who understand what you’re going through and would love to hear more.
Honestly, for me, there’s nothing more rewarding than attending one of your own screenings and having someone approach you afterward to point out a moment in the film that truly resonated with them. After watching Black Slide, our Oscar-shortlisted film directed by Uri Lotan, about a boy who suffers the loss of his mother whilst challenged sliding down by the scariest slide in the water park – people would come to us and share their own memories of those moments with their loved ones which was extremely moving.
Making an impact in just a few minutes is what makes short films so special. Whether it’s a laugh, a moment of introspection, or a deep emotional reaction, short films need to leave lasting impression in a fraction of the time a feature film has.
It’s not always about the fireworks
There is no single formula for these kinds of films.
You don’t need tons of “fireworks” for it to make an impact. If you have something interesting to say, just say it. I think the shorter, the better.
That’s what the medium is for! It’s about being concise while delivering an engaging experience – that’s what makes a great short film.
Many of the most celebrated short films have an economy of storytelling – every second counts. Whether through visuals, dialogue, or music, each element should contribute meaningfully to the story. Unnecessary complexity or over-explaining can take away from the impact of the film.
Speak up and be heard
You need to find your voice as the creator.
Sometimes, it comes from writing an incredible screenplay, while other times, it emerges from a visual image or idea imagined on paper.
If your film already has a strong visual identity, that’s great, but I don’t think it’s essential.
Sometimes, visual similarity (where a film looks like projects you’ve seen before) can create a sense of recognition and appreciation, while other times, a unique look helps your work stand out and set itself apart from the rest.
Developing a distinctive artistic style or storytelling approach can help filmmakers carve out a space for themselves in the animation world. But remember, we all borrow and take inspiration from others. Fearing being derivative can hinder creativity.
It’s all in the flow
As a producer, I’ve realized that it’s just as important to pay attention to what’s happening behind the scenes as it is to what’s happening on screen.
We thrive on finding proper ways to work, develop our craft, and help our creators make the best use of their time. If we can help directors tell their stories on budget and on time, that’s as satisfying to us as it is to them!
We’ve all worked tireless hours in the name of our art. But doing it with proper management and a coherent workflow ensures that we don’t crash when we reach the finish line-because as you’ll read next, the film’s “finish line” isn’t really the end.
You’ve only done half the job
It’s funny to say, but at The Hive Studio, we feel that one of the things many creators lack is a sense of direction once the film is done. Everyone is so focused on making the film (and rightfully so), but without that extra push, a film’s visibility can crash and burn.
So, it’s important to plan ahead for how you’ll distribute your film and what strategy you should play if you want to be part of the incredible journey to the Oscars.
Festivals and the big O-word – the Oscars
Understanding that your film doesn’t end when you click “export” is crucial – it’s only part of the journey.
You need a strategy for sending your short to the right festivals. To become eligible and qualified for the Oscars, your film needs to screen and win at an Oscar-qualifying festival- one that’s recognized by the Academy as a prestigious event selecting the very best films. These festivals act as a launching pad for many films that go on to receive Academy Award nominations. A few months ago, our film Butterfly Kiss (directed by Zohar Dvir and co-produced with Fabian&Fred) won an Oscar-qualifying award at its premiere – the Gold Hugo Award at the Chicago International Film Festival – which qualified it for this year’s race.
I highly recommend attending as many festivals as possible (Raindance, for example).
At each event and screening, you’ll meet amazing people who will elevate you as a filmmaker—both personally and professionally. You might even meet your next production partner! Networking with fellow filmmakers and industry professionals can open doors to new opportunities.
Don’t let your film whither and disappear
Another great opportunity is screening your film on different platforms after its festival run. We recommend sharing your film on Animation Showcase for example, an incredible screening platform that many in the animation community check out to find the latest films and talent. It is managed by Benoit Berthe Siward and his wonderful team.
The digital age has made it easier than ever for animated shorts to reach wider audiences through streaming services, social media, and online film festivals. The right distribution strategy can help ensure that your film doesn’t just disappear after the festival circuit but continues to find new audiences over time.
The Human Factor
One additional factor we highly recommend is working with people who believe in your film and understand distribution strategies. They can help you plan the right festival trajectory for your film.
We have worked with Miyu Distribution, a branch of Miyu Productions led by Luce Grosjean. They are experts at hand-picking the very best films, helping them apply to the right festivals, and ensuring they are well-prepared for the Academy Awards journey. In addition, a little over a year ago we launched M&H Distribution, led by our very own Yael Nudelman, to focus on short film distribution in festivals.
Having the right team behind your film – from producers to distributors – can make all the difference.
A well-connected distributor with experience in the animation industry can help get your film in front of the right people, increasing its chances of success.
The end credits
If your film connects with people, makes them feel something, or simply lingers in their minds after the credits roll, then you’ve already succeeded in the most important way.
So keep creating, keep refining your voice, surround yourself with people who elevate your vision -and when the time comes, don’t be afraid to knock on the Academy’s door. You might just find it open.
