It’s that time of year when we stick our necks out and predict which films which we think will be on the Oscar shortlist in the live action short film category, and we have been lucky enough to get many of them right the past few years. This year there are 15 films on the shortlist, so in no particular order here are our top picks! We also threw in a wildcard which could sneak on this prestigious list.

“Edicius” Directed by Uzo Oleh, Executive Produced by Idris Elba

When Jason uncovers the truth behind his most powerful client, he realises his life is on the line. But a visit from his intuition, a man with his exact likeness, claims to have the answers to save him. All Jason has to do is trust him…but can he? 

“The Long Goodbye” Directed by Aneil Karia, Starring Riz Ahmed

Riz and his family are in the middle of preparing a wedding celebration when the events unfolding in the outside world arrive suddenly on their doorstep. The result is a devastating and visceral feat of filmmaking, and a poignant poetic cry from the heart. 

“Frimas” Directed by Oscar Nominee Marianne Farley

When getting an abortion has once again become a criminal offense, Kara is confronted by a grim and brutal reality. Even though obvious dangers are at play, she seeks out the services of an illegal mobile abortion clinic. Once inside the meanders of this morbid clinic, she is faced with devastating repercussions.

“Americanized” Directed by Erica Eng

Growing up in Oakland’s hip-hop culture, Eng struggles with her Chinese American identity. To her high school basketball team she’s just that girl who sits on the bench, but to the Asian kids she’s “Americanized.” As her sophomore year of high school comes to an end, Eng tries to find a sense of belonging within the two worlds that don’t accept her.

“Boys” Directed by Luke Benward, Produced by Ariel Winter and Executive Produced by Andrew Carlberg

Two boys let their imagination run wild in a barren desert, but the fun and games come to a shocking halt.

“Play it Safe” Directed by Mitch Kalisa

Coaxed into playing a racial typecast in a fellow student’s play, Jonathan is faced to either challenge prejudice, or play it safe.

“Champ” Directed by Ben Tricklebank

Jake might only be 14, but that’s old enough to be a man as far as his dad is concerned. The only problem is that Jake isn’t sure he’s ready to grow up – at least not in the way that his dad wants him to.

“Mousie” Directed by David Bartlett, Executive Produced by Derek Jacobi

David Bartlett’s MOUSIE shares a story of a 7-year-old Roma girl who hides from the Nazis in a decaying Weimar Cabaret Club

“The Dress” Directed by Tadeusz Lysiak

Lust, sexuality and physicality. These are the deepest desires virgin Julie suppresses while working at a wayside motel. That is until she crosses paths with a handsome truck driver, who soon becomes the objective of her fantasies.

“Tala-Vision” Directed by Murad Abu Eisheh

Trapped in a war ridden reality, 8-year-old Tala finds solace and freedom in a forbidden television. However, the secret TV becomes a matter of life or death.

“Al-Sit” Directed by Suzannah Mirghani

AL-SIT shares the story of Nafisa, a teenage girl in a Sudanese village who – despite her crush on someone else – is facing an arranged marriage. Her grandmother, the powerful matriarch Al-Sit, has her own plans for Nafisa’s future. Can Nafisa choose for herself? 

“Leylak” Directed by Scott Aharoni, Executive Produced by Colman Domingo and Oscar Nominee Doug Roland

In present day Queens, New York, a Turkish gravedigger is unable to face a shattering truth, and risks losing the dearest connection left in his life.

“Face to Face (Al a Cara)” Directed byJavier Marco

A television hostess faces the man who insulted her on a social network.

“Like The One’s I Used to Know” Directed by Anna St Pierre

December 24, 1983, 10:50 p.m.; Julie and her cousins ate too much sugar, Santa Claus is late and Denis, alone in his car, is anxious at the idea of setting foot in his ex-in-laws’ house to pick up his children. Like The Ones I Used To Know (Les Grandes Claques) is an early coming-of-age that is as squeaky as it is poetic.

“The Last Day of Patriarchy” Directed by Olmo Omerzu

When Jakub brings his girlfriend to meet his grandfather, the family patriarch who is now lying on his deathbed, he confronts her with a startling request. 

FILM BUSINESS WILDCARD

“Lost Kings” Directed by Brian Lawes

Searching for food, a boy breaks into a neighborhood home. But when the homeowners return, he becomes trapped inside with those he’s stealing from. 

Margaret Brown