2024 Oscar Nominations for Best Live Action Short Film

My favorite: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

Oscar prediction: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023) Wes Anderson - 7/10

The obvious leader in this category. It is an artistic masterclass, with a beauty and class that is both fascinatingly modern and charmingly old-timey. Big name actors, big time director, well known and loved author, funds to provide the magic - it has it all. But one thing, despite its stunning and maximally whimsical visuals or its propulsive fun tale, it lacks something that has been lost within the heart of Anderson’s work: expressiveness and emotion. There was quirk and impassivity in his previous works, but over the years and projects it has grown to be more and more about artifice and exquisite execution while becoming less and less human. His knack for smart quick dialogue surrounded by flashy style but a straight faced deadness.

Invincible (2022) Vincent René-Lortie - 7-/6+/10

Elegant and poetic cinematography with a strong directorial vision heightens this sad tale of a soul lost. Plot is minimal but it does an admirable job of swirling around a protagonist that is swirling around inside his head and inside a system that can't understand or help him. Strong work here, behind and in front to of the camera.

Knight of Fortune (2022) Lasse Lyskjær Noer - 6/10

The only slightly funny one, despite it being about people struggling to say goodbye to their deceased loved ones in a mortuary. It has an engaging ennui and cuteness. Lacks a well rounded full-throated statement, but it is competently crafted and well acted.

Red, White and Blue (2023) Nazrin Choudhury - 4+/5-/10

The content is message worthy, with the twisty tale of a journey for an abortion, but the filmmaking is pretty routine and unspectacular. Solid and a grueling reveal, but it’s almost an afterschool special. If someone hated this, I wouldn’t be shocked.

The After (2023) Misan Harriman - 4/10

Oof. A jaw dropping opening isn't firmly followed up on, as it drifts aimlessly, just feeling emotion in an expressionistic wind blowing through a car filled with people but unfelt. It doesn't quite get there cuz it had no gas.