On Thursday, the 87th Academy Award nominations were released to the public.
There was a plethora of exceptional films released in 2014 and I am one to believe the winners that are soon to come from each of the 24 categories will leave all of us satisfied. As we grew up, going to see the latest animated films at the theater was a favorable Friday night destination. It was always a treat to see the occasional short before the movie started. So grab your siblings and some popcorn, ’cause it’s about to get nostalgic up in here. As our first Academy Awards countdown, here are the five lucky nominees for Best Short Film: Animated:
The Bigger Picture– Daisy Jacobs and Christopher Hees
Not your typical kind of animation, this life-sized short film brings the home front explosively onto the screen as two brothers begin to care for their sick mother, increasing tension within their relationship.

 
The Dam Keeper– Robert Kondo and Dice Tsutsumi
An animated short film that melts and breaks your heart at the same time brings The Dam Keeper. A lonely little pig that holds the responsibility of maintaining the town’s dam is ruthlessly bullied by his other classmates.

 
Feast– Patrick Osborne and Kristina Reed
From the cuteness overload factory of Walt Disney Animation Studios, comes Feast. This short animated film tells the story of a young man and a stray puppy whose journey with the man is told through the food he receives. Feast makes you want a puppy and pizza really bad.

 
Me and My Moulton– Torill Kove
Previous Academy Award winner Torill Kove brings us another animated short film. Styled in traditional cartoon-like animation with bright colors and blocky characters, Me and My Moulton takes place in an unconventional Norwegian family. All three daughters are wanting to ask their parents for a bicycle but find it hard to be honest with the ones they love most.

A Single Life– Joris Oprins
Our final nominee in the Best Short Film- Animated category brings futuristic animation to match its time traveling story. A young woman who comes across a mysterious vinyl single gives her the power to move back and forth through the years of her life.

 
Mark your calendars: The Academy Awards airs Feb. 22.