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Oscar shorts you can watch free

8 films

Last updated: 21 September 2026

You will find tough dramas and warm animations. This selection shows the power of cinema in different ways: great writing, good cinematography and acting. It's not all about the technical work but also how you use it to tell a story or send a message. I hope you enjoy them.

  1. Directed by Taika Waititi, this eleven minute New Zealand short was nominated for the Academy Award for Short Film (Live Action) at the 77th Academy Awards in 2005. It is published on YouTube by Searchlight Pictures, a film studio.

  2. Directed by Matthew A. Cherry, Everett Downing Jr. and Bruce W. Smith, this six minute American animated short won the Academy Award for Short Film (Animated) at the 92nd Academy Awards in 2020. It is published on YouTube by Sony Pictures Animation, the studio behind it.

  3. Directed by Aneil Karia, this twelve minute British short won the Academy Award for Short Film (Live Action) at the 94th Academy Awards in 2022. It is published on YouTube by the Riz Ahmed channel.

  4. Directed by Fabrice O. Joubert, this eight minute French animated short was nominated for the Academy Award for Short Film (Animated) at the 82nd Academy Awards in 2010. It is published on YouTube by KIS KIS, a short film showcase channel.

  5. Directed by Jochen Alexander Freydank, this fourteen minute German short won the Academy Award for Short Film (Live Action) at the 81st Academy Awards in 2009. It is published on YouTube by MAGNETFILM, a short film distributor.

  6. Directed by Luke Matheny, this eighteen minute American short won the Academy Award for Short Film (Live Action) at the 83rd Academy Awards in 2011. It is published on YouTube by KIS KIS, a short film showcase channel.

  7. Directed by Marshall Curry, this twenty minute American short won the Academy Award for Short Film (Live Action) at the 92nd Academy Awards in 2020. It is published on YouTube by Marshall Curry Productions, the director's own company.

  8. Directed by Max Porter and Ru Kuwahata, this five minute French animated short was nominated for the Academy Award for Short Film (Animated) at the 90th Academy Awards in 2018. It is published on YouTube by Short of the Week, a short film showcase.