At the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 15, 2026, The Girl Who Cried Pearls was awarded the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards. This recognition marks a significant achievement for filmmakers Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, who have been collaborating with the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) for over 20 years. Their previous nomination for the 2007 short film Madame Tutli-Putli had set the stage for this momentous occasion.

The film, which debuted at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2025, tells a poignant story about a girl whose tears turn into pearls, exploring deep themes of love and greed. This 17-minute stop-motion animation has resonated with audiences, screening at more than 45 festivals and garnering 14 awards and mentions.

In their acceptance speech, Lavis and Szczerbowski expressed gratitude to the artistic community that contributed to their work. “This award is a tribute to all the artists who shared this labour with us,” they stated, highlighting the collaborative nature of filmmaking. Maciek Szczerbowski also thanked the city of Montreal and Canada, emphasizing the film’s roots in Montreal, where it was created.

Chris Lavis remarked on the dedication required to produce such intricate work, saying, “It actually takes patience to live with someone who takes five years to make a puppet film.” This statement reflects the extensive effort and time invested in crafting the animation, which is a hallmark of their filmmaking style.

The film features voice work by renowned actor Colm Feore and music by acclaimed artist Patrick Watson, adding to its artistic depth. The NFB, which has won a total of 12 Oscars, continues to support innovative storytelling through animation, and this win further solidifies its reputation in the industry.

As the film is available for free on NFB.ca, YouTube, and all NFB apps in Canada, it is expected to reach an even wider audience following its Oscar win. Observers anticipate that this recognition will not only boost the film’s visibility but also inspire future projects from Lavis and Szczerbowski.

With their first Oscar win now secured, the filmmakers are likely to continue their exploration of unique narratives in animation. The success of The Girl Who Cried Pearls serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the impact of artistic collaboration in the film industry.

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Will Arnett made headlines during the 98th Academy Awards held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles. He presented the Oscar for Best Animated Short Subject and took the opportunity to address the growing concern over the use of artificial intelligence in animation.

During his presentation, Arnett stated, “Tonight, we are celebrating people, not AI, because animation, it’s more than a prompt. It’s an art form and it needs to be protected. Am I right?” His remarks resonated with many in the audience, highlighting a significant debate within the industry regarding the role of technology in creative processes.

The Best Animated Short award was won by “The Girl Who Cried Pearls,” while the Best Animated Feature went to “KPop Demon Hunters.” These wins reflect the diverse storytelling present in contemporary animation, contrasting with the concerns raised by Arnett.

The Oscars, one of the most prestigious events in the film industry since 1929, continue to attract significant viewership. Last year, the ceremony drew almost 20 million viewers, showcasing the enduring popularity of the event.

Conan O’Brien hosted the Oscars for the second consecutive year in 2026, adding a familiar comedic touch to the proceedings. The combination of humor and poignant commentary, as exemplified by Arnett’s speech, made for a memorable evening.

Will Arnett is well-known for his voice work in several animated films, including “Monsters vs. Aliens,” “Ratatouille,” and “Despicable Me.” His experience in the industry lends weight to his comments about the importance of preserving the artistry of animation.

As the conversation around AI in creative fields continues to evolve, Arnett’s stance may influence future discussions and decisions made by industry professionals. The impact of his remarks on the audience and the broader film community remains to be seen.

Overall, the 2026 Oscars not only celebrated achievements in film but also sparked important dialogues about the future of animation and the role of technology in artistic expression.

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