Chicago Film Critics Association Winners

BAFTA CONTENDER: ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS – a gripping war drama set on the frontlines

January 8, 2025

Set against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Franz Böhm’s short film Rock Paper Scissors is an evocative exploration on the hidden casualties of war. Inspired by a true story, the film recounts the journey of 17-year-old Ivan and his father, Borden, as they operate a makeshift hospital bunker near the frontline. When Russian soldiers…
Read More: BAFTA CONTENDER: ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS – a gripping war drama set on the frontlines
Sam and David Cutler-Kreutz’ OSCAR shortlisted A LIEN is A Riveting, Heart-Wrenching Call for Immigration Reform

January 2, 2025

With its succinct 15-minute runtime, A Lien, directed by Sam and David Cutler-Kreutz, is a masterful exploration of the harsh realities faced by immigrants navigating the U.S. immigration system. Shortlisted for an Oscar, this timely and poignant live-action short plunges viewers into an emotionally charged narrative that is both intimate and universal. Set on the day…
Read More: Sam and David Cutler-Kreutz’ OSCAR shortlisted A LIEN is A Riveting, Heart-Wrenching Call for Immigration Reform
Sofia Camargo and Joseph Longo’s SUNDANCE short WE’RE NOT DONE YET strikes a delicate balance between emotional resonance and lighthearted charm

December 27, 2024

Sofia Camargo and Joseph Longo’s short film We’re Not Done Yet is a touching exploration of the complexities of the mother-son relationship. A collaboration between Colombian director Sofia Camargo and writer-actor Joseph Longo, the film delivers a heartfelt story that strikes a delicate balance between emotional resonance and lighthearted charm. This beautiful film has been selected…
Read More: Sofia Camargo and Joseph Longo’s SUNDANCE short WE’RE NOT DONE YET strikes a delicate balance between emotional resonance and lighthearted charm
Spencer Wardwell and Miss Dylan’s unmissable Sundance short film SWEET TALKIN’ GUY strikes the perfect balance between humor and poignancy

December 27, 2024

Directors Spencer Wardwell and Miss Dylan deliver a sharp exploration of identity, desire, and modern dating in their short comedy Sweet Talkin’ Guy, which has been selected by the prestigious 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Inspired by Miss Dylan’s own experiences as a trans woman, this wry, biting satire turns the spotlight on the awkward, fragile, and…
Read More: Spencer Wardwell and Miss Dylan’s unmissable Sundance short film SWEET TALKIN’ GUY strikes the perfect balance between humor and poignancy
WE LOVE SHORT FILM’S LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM OSCAR NOMINATION PREDICTIONS 2024

December 27, 2024

We are happy four of our OSCAR shortlist predictions made it to the list from 180 films! We predict all four will go all the way, alongside the incredible film by Marco Perego DOVECOTE, which stars Zoe Saldaña. Here are our Live Action Short Film OSCAR nomination predictions for 2025. DOVECOTE directed by Marco Perego…
Read More: WE LOVE SHORT FILM’S LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM OSCAR NOMINATION PREDICTIONS 2024
OSCAR CONTENDER : MUSCAT – a poignant coming-of-age story about repressed sexuality

December 17, 2024

Set in Morocco, Philippe Grenier’s Muscat follows Samir, a sixteen-year-old boy dealing with repressed sexual desires that are newly awakened when he encounters a handsome tourist visiting the country with his wife, but when tragedy strikes, Samir is faced with an important decision that could change the course of his life and the tourist. Muscat…
Read More: OSCAR CONTENDER : MUSCAT – a poignant coming-of-age story about repressed sexuality
OSCAR CONTENDER: SPIRIT OF PLACE by Jack Cooper Stimpson

December 13, 2024

Spirit of Place directed by Jack Cooper Stimpson is a deeply evocative short film that takes audiences on a beautiful journey into the heart of nature. The film, which has been nominated to be considered for the 97th Academy® Awards, is a reflection on the relationship between humans and the natural world, exploring how these connections…
Read More: OSCAR CONTENDER: SPIRIT OF PLACE by Jack Cooper Stimpson
WE LOVE SHORT FILM LIVE ACTION SHORTLIST 2025 OSCAR PREDICTIONS

December 9, 2024

As you know we love shorts films, here are 15 incredible films we think deserve a place on the live action shortlist list for the Academy Awards! WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN CLODAUGH CALF ROOM TAKEN SISTER WIVES MOTHERLAND IN THE GARDEN OF TULIPS ANUJA IN THE HEART OF TEXAS BUSCANDO ALMA FROM ABOVE TEA…
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2025 OSCAR CONTENDER: Interview with Colin Racicot director of WHERE RABBITS COME FROM

December 5, 2024

WHERE RABBITS COME FROM IS NOW ON PUBLIC RELEASE: What inspired Where Rabbits Come From? The inspiration for Where Rabbits Come From came from two main sources. One was my fascination with the world of magic, which has always felt mysterious and creatively stimulating to me. Magic in cinema is captivating, especially with animation. The…
Read More: 2025 OSCAR CONTENDER: Interview with Colin Racicot director of WHERE RABBITS COME FROM
2025 OSCAR CONTENDER: PARIS 70 – A Tribute to Caregivers

December 3, 2024

Dani Feixas’ Paris 70 is an intimate and heart-wrenching portrayal of the silent, often invisible struggle that comes with caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s. Drawing from his own family experience, Feixas crafts a narrative centered on Jan (Alain Hernández), a son whose life is consumed by the relentless responsibility of caring for his mother,…
Read More: 2025 OSCAR CONTENDER: PARIS 70 – A Tribute to Caregivers