The Girl Who Cried Pearls, a stop-motion animated short film, has made headlines by winning the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 15, 2026. This significant accolade highlights the film’s impact and the talent behind it.
Produced by the National Film Board of Canada, the film is the result of a 20-year collaboration between filmmakers Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski. This marks their sixth project with the NFB, and it is also the first Oscar win for the Montreal animation duo.
The film debuted at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2025 and has since screened at over 45 festivals, garnering 14 awards and mentions. The narrative centers on a girl overwhelmed by sorrow and the consequences of greed, resonating with audiences and critics alike.
In a joint statement, Lavis and Szczerbowski expressed their gratitude, stating, “This award is a tribute to all the artists who shared this labour with us.” Their collaboration has been praised for its visionary storytelling, with Suzanne Guèvremont, the NFB’s Executive Director, noting, “We’re honoured to be the home of visionary storytellers like Chris and Maciek.”
Guèvremont also highlighted the pride this win brings to Canada, saying, “At a time when our country’s spirit is winning accolades around the world, Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski have given Canadians another reason to be proud.” This Oscar win marks the 12th Oscar for an NFB film, further solidifying the organization’s reputation in the animation industry.
As the film continues to gain recognition, industry observers anticipate that it will inspire future projects and collaborations within the animation community. The success of The Girl Who Cried Pearls serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling through animation, and its creators are expected to remain influential figures in the field.
With its unique blend of artistry and narrative depth, The Girl Who Cried Pearls is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the realm of animated short films.