In a remarkable achievement for Canadian cinema, The Girl Who Cried Pearls has won the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 15, 2026. This win marks the 12th Oscar for the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), which has received a total of 79 nominations since its inception in 1929.
Directed by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, the film tells the poignant story of a boy who falls in love with a girl who cries pearls. The film features the narration of James Hyndman, adding depth to its emotional narrative. The film has been well-received, having been showcased in over 45 festivals worldwide and winning 14 awards and mentions during its festival run.
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It took the filmmakers five years to create this 17-minute and 37-second animated short, which has captivated audiences and critics alike. The film is available for free viewing on the NFB’s website and on YouTube, where it has garnered significant attention, with 212,000 views in French and 203,000 views in English.
Upon receiving the Oscar, Lavis and Szczerbowski expressed their gratitude, stating, “This award is a wonderful tribute to all the artists who shared the task with us.” Hyndman also shared his pride in collaborating on the film, emphasizing the joy it has brought to audiences. Quebec Premier François Legault congratulated the filmmakers, highlighting their achievement as a source of pride for Montreal.
The film had previously been presented at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where it was featured in both the opening and official competition. This exposure undoubtedly contributed to its success and recognition in the animation community.
As the film continues to gain popularity, observers are eager to see how it will influence the landscape of animated storytelling in Canada and beyond. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any upcoming projects from Lavis and Szczerbowski, but their track record suggests that they will continue to push the boundaries of animation.
