We’ve learned the Academy’s shortlist for potential Oscar nominations, with two Polish co-productions making the cut. Iain Gardner’s A Bear Named Wojtek is in contention for Best Animated Short Film, whilst Mohammed Almughanni’s Polish-Palestinian-French film An Orange from Jaffa is competing for the Best Live Action Short trophy.

The Academy Awards, one of cinema's most coveted accolades, have been bestowed by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences since 1929. It honours outstanding cinematic achievements across various categories, including best picture, best director, and actor/actress. The Oscar ceremony draws the attention of international media and viewers alike, whilst celebrating the art of filmmaking. The iconic Oscar statuette, depicting a knight holding a sword atop a film reel, has become a universal symbol of success in the film industry.

An Orange from Jaffa unfolds mere kilometres from Jerusalem. The Hizma checkpoint, before recent events. Here, tensions have been high for decades, with stringent security measures in place. Even the slightest misstep can have dire consequences. Mohammed, a young Palestinian with a temporary Polish ID, attempts to cross an Israeli checkpoint to reunite with his mother. After several drivers refuse him passage, the kindly taxi driver Farouk agrees to help. Unbeknownst to Farouk, Mohammed has already been turned away at a different checkpoint. Farouk himself is in a hurry to get to a very important meeting. Soldiers swiftly uncover the truth, spelling serious trouble for both men. Confined to the car, they await a final verdict. This gripping, human-centric drama exposes the absurdity of the conflict on a micro scale.

A Bear Named Wojtek is based on the extraordinary true story of a bear who became the mascot of the Polish II Corps led by general Władysław Anders during World War II. The bear cub was adopted in Iran, where Polish soldiers – released from Soviet labour camps – began their combat trail. Wojtek journeyed with Polish troops from Iran through Iraq, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Italy, and finally to Great Britain. During the Battle of Monte Cassino, he aided soldiers by carrying heavy crates of artillery ammunition. Consequently, a bear carrying a shell became the symbol of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company. After the war, Wojtek found a home in the Edinburgh Zoo. Since 2015, his statue stands in the heart of the city, in Princes Street Gardens, in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. The story of this remarkable bear continues to captivate the world.

The complete list of shortlisted titles can be found here.

DECEMBER 2024