In an awards season where authenticity continues to separate the memorable from the merely accomplished, Butterfly on a Wheel is emerging as a powerful example of how truth-driven storytelling, particularly stories centered on neurodiversity, can resonate deeply with audiences and Academy voters alike.

The Oscar-qualifying short, marking the narrative directorial debut of two-time Emmy-winning composer Trevor Morris, has officially landed on the Academy’s Live Action Short shortlist, placing it among the final 15 films advancing in the category and positioning Morris as a serious first-time contender with real Oscar momentum.

The shortlist recognition builds on an impressive festival run that includes official selections at Newport Beach, Coronado Island, Night of Shorts, Catalina and Global Peace 360, along with a semi-finalist placement at the Rhode Island International Film Festival and a TIFF Market screening, a trajectory that has steadily amplified the film’s visibility within the industry.

Set against Toronto’s vibrant cityscape, Butterfly on a Wheel tells the story of Jacen Davis (Curran Walters), a gifted jazz pianist studying at the prestigious Royal Conservatory of Music. Beneath his technical brilliance, Jacen is quietly battling OCD and anxiety, invisible challenges that threaten to derail his dream of performing live at Koerner Hall. When a chance encounter with Sorrel (Brielle Robillard) disrupts his carefully controlled world, Jacen is forced to confront his fears. With the steadfast support of his brother Dylan (Michael Provost), he begins a difficult but ultimately affirming journey toward embracing both his talent and his neurodivergent reality.

What sets the film apart is its refusal to sensationalize mental health. Instead, Morris approaches OCD and anxiety with emotional precision, grounding the narrative in lived experience and artistic vulnerability. The result is a coming-of-age story that feels both intimate and universal, a reflection of the growing appetite for films that portray neurodiversity not as an obstacle to overcome, but as an essential part of identity.

“I want to thank the Academy and its voters for this tremendous honour, one of a lifetime to be voted onto the Oscar shortlist,” said Trevor Morris. “I’m beyond humbled. Butterfly on a Wheel is a movie about finding our authentic voice through anxiety and fear. It means the world to me that the message has resonated.”

After a prolific career composing for high-profile television series and international blockbusters, Morris’ transition into narrative filmmaking feels both personal and purposeful. Drawing on his musical background, he weaves sound, silence and performance into a cinematic language that mirrors Jacen’s internal world, turning emotion into rhythm and anxiety into tension that audiences can feel.

The film is executive produced by Emmy-winning producer Susan Cooper, founding partner of Taublieb Films, whose credits include Sony/MGM’s The Vow, Showtime’s Enslavement: The True Story of Fanny Kemble, Netflix’s Unchained: The Untold Story of Freestyle Motocross and ABC’s Blood Line: The Life and Times of Brian Deegan. Industry veteran Jim Seibel also serves as executive producer, bringing with him a track record that includes Nyad, The Grey, Replicas and The Host, along with nearly $600 million raised in film and television financing.

As the Academy continues to broaden its embrace of diverse perspectives and authentic voices, Butterfly on a Wheelstands out as a film that captures the power of truth, both personal and artistic. With its nuanced portrayal of neurodiversity, emotionally grounded performances and confident debut direction, Trevor Morris’ short now moves forward as one of the Live Action Short category’s most resonant contenders, and a clear signal that his leap from Emmy-winning composer to Oscar-caliber filmmaker may just be beginning.