Oscar-Nominated Short Films


2023 Oscar Nominated Short Films

The MFAH presents the Oscar-nominated short films on the big screen, in all three categories: animation, live action, and documentary.

Animated Short Films

Running Time: 95 minutes
Rating equivalent of PG-13/R. Three of the films are suitable for ages 10 and up. Parents, please be aware that “The Flying Sailor” contains nudity and the final film, “My Year of Dicks,” is for adult audiences only.

  • “An Ostrich Told Me the World Is Fake and I Think I Believe It” (Australia)
  • “The Flying Sailor” (Canada) — contains nudity
  • “Ice Merchants” (Portugal/France/UK)
  • “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” (UK)
    Parental Warning: The below Oscar-nominated animated short film “My Year of Dicks” is intended for adult audiences and is not suitable for children. There will be a short break before it starts so patrons, if they choose, may exit the theater.
  • “My Year of Dicks” (USA)
Live Action Short Films

Running Time: 110 minutes
Rating equivalent of PG-13 for adult themes.

  • “Ivalu” (Denmark)
  • “Night Ride” (Norway)
  • “Le Pupille” (Italy)
  • “The Red Suitcase” (Luxembourg)
  • “An Irish Goodbye” (UK)
Documentary Short Films

Running Time: 181 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission
Rating equivalent of PG-13/R for adult themes.

  • “How Do You Measure a Year?” (USA)
  • “The Elephant Whisperers” (India)
  • “Stranger at the Gate” (USA)
  • “Haulout” (UK)
  • “The Martha Mitchell Effect” (USA)

Suggested ratings are provided by Shorts International. For more information about each short film, visit ShortsTV.


The MFAH film department is supported by Tenaris; the Vaughn Foundation; The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea; Nina and Michael Zilkha; Consulate General of Italy in Houston; Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles; Consulate General of Brazil in Houston; Franci Neely; Carrin Patman and Jim Derrick; Ms. Laurence Unger; L’Alliance Française de Houston; and ILEX Foundation.