2026 Oscar Shorts - Live Action

Tropic Sprockets by Ian Brockway

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The Live Action category can always be depended on to be especially compelling and diverse. This year is happily no exception. This selection is brisk and thoughtful, offering something for everyone, even including the Surrealists among us, as scarce and reclusive as we might be.

First from the USA is “The Singers” directed by Sam Davis and taken from a story by Ivan Turgenev. Lighthearted and comic, poignant and quirky, one is taken to a run-down bar, mostly filled with sick or bitter veterans with chips on their shoulders. One has emphysema (Chris Smither) the other is taciturn and shy (Judah Kelly). The fellow patrons ridicule the pair. The bartender offers one hundred dollars to the best singer.

Just when it is least expected the shy rotund man reveals a startling empowered voice as do several other surprising patrons. Humorous as well as emotional, this film is one part O. Henry and one part Charles Bukowski.

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Next, in what is probably the most conventional film, “A Friend of Dorothy” by Lee Knight is an affectionate study of a unique kinship.

Dorothy (Miriam Margolyes) is a feisty octogenarian who notices a soccer ball in her front yard. JJ a young black man (Alistair Nwachukwu) knocks on her house door to apologize. As luck would have it, Dorothy needs a can of prunes opened. JJ opens the can and a friendship begins.

Dorothy’s relative Mark (Oscar Lloyd ) is immediately wary. During a talk, Dorothy reveals that J.J. is her one real friend, especially since she is now well into her 80s.

The bond between them strengthens.

This sweet and empathetic film is big on realism and charm while the acting is superior. The recognizable Stephen Fry appears as an executor.

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In another selection, “Butcher’s Stain” by Meyer Levinson-Blount, paranoia is the order of the day. A Palestinian butcher Samir ( Omar Sameer) is called into the office. The manager (Rona Toledano) tells him that he is accused of removing the October 7 hostage posters, letting them all fall to the floor, discarded in disrespect.

The manager urges him to confess, but he refuses as he is innocent.

Pressure mounts as the gentle Samir begins to suspect his Israeli friend and co-worker, Nir (played by director Meyer Levinson-Blount).

Samir is up against it no matter how hard he tries to take the best course of action. Swift, visceral and unforgiving with a bit of gallows humor, your heart will go all out for the desperate and well-meaning Samir.

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Then with what probably is the most evocative yet eerie entry, certain to give any remaining Surrealist great cheer, from France, is “Two People Exchanging Saliva” by Alexandre Singh and Natalie Musteata. Showcased in black and white and as crisp and crystal clear as any work by Salvador Dali, one is placed in a near future where dental hygiene is forbidden, fresh breath is frowned upon, and a kiss is punishable by death. Respect is for those who can purchase high end merchandise and shop in luxury boutiques.

The only method of currency in evidence is that of violence, specifically quick sharp slaps across the face resulting in bruising. Instead of coffins, those deemed dispensable are put in cardboard, cast aside like so many Amazon boxes.

With the flavor of a George Orwell classic, this film is dark, nervy, lyrical, and as unforgiving as any manifesto by Andre Breton. Young Malaise (Luàna Bajrami) falls for the older boutique dominatrix (Aurélie Boquien).

With the quality of a dream, this film has the lingering force of a book by JG Ballard or a collage by Max Ernst. The imagery pulls power and punch, highlighting our growing lack of empathy and our feverish consumerism. The cardboard cemetery is both provocative and morose.

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Last is “Jane Austen’s Period Drama” by Julia Aks and Steve Pinder. This film which got the most auditory laughs (some of them roaring) is the lightest of the lot. While it remains very silly, it is funny with social commentary.

In the 1800s, handsome suitor Mr Dickley (Lachlan Taimua Hannemann) is about to propose to Ms Estrogenia (director Julia Aks). The clueless gentleman realizes to his horror and dismay that she is bleeding to death.

Estrogenia is menstruating.

This sets off a slapstick turn of events involving clueless men, mollified spinsters and one terrified chicken. While it borrows from Mel Brooks a bit too much in the naming of titles, it is humorous, pointing to the boorish cluelessness of young males. In its hectic pace, it feels too skit-like, but even with this slight reservation, quite a few lines were searing and classically destined.

It is a time-honored tradition and once again, this year’s shorts are not to be missed.

Write Ian at ianfree11@yahoo.com