See the creative tricks and techniques behind this year's best animation Oscar candidates
Creative Bloq
by Joe Foley March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 98th Academy Awards are approaching, and the animation category is packed with standout nominees that showcase creativity and innovation. This year’s competition features two major contenders: *KPop Demon Hunters* and *Zootopia 2*, while *Arco, Elio* and *Little Amelie* could also surprise voters with their unique charm. Additionally, the Best Animated Short category is particularly fierce, with five distinct films vying for recognition. Each film brings its own artistic style and technical prowess, making it a tough choice for voters.
One of the most notable short films is *Butterfly Papillon*, directed by Florence Miailhe. This 15-minute piece tells the inspiring story of French swimmer Alfred Nakache during his time in Auschwitz. The animation is characterized by its painterly style and poetic exploration of themes like freedom and transformation. Miailhe’s team used innovative techniques to animate water, treating it as a character in its own right—fluid and transparent in some scenes, murky and dark in others. This attention to detail adds depth and emotional weight to the narrative.
*Forevergreen*, a collaboration between Disney animators Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears, stands out for its unique visual style. Created over nearly six years with 200 volunteers, this short follows an orphaned bear cub’s journey of love, forgiveness, and redemption. The film is entirely digital but mimics the look of stop-motion using CGI to achieve a handcrafted wooden aesthetic. This involved developing custom software pipelines combining Maya, Python, and dynamic textures. The result is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that has moved many viewers, blending cutting-edge technology with heartfelt storytelling.
*Retirement Plan*, directed by John Kelly, offers a humorous yet poignant look at middle-aged dissatisfaction through the character of Ray, who dreams of retirement bliss. Made using Moho animation software, the film employs minimalist 2D techniques and was inspired by Kelly’s hometown of Dublin. The simplistic style highlights the importance of location scouting and reference
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Originally published on Creative Bloq on 3/3/2026