Two animated shorts screened at the 2025 Galway Film Fleadh have been shortlisted for an Academy Award, underscoring the growing global profile of Irish animation
The announcement came on 16 December with both films being shortlisted in the animated short film category.
Screen Ireland, who gave funding to both projects welcomed the announcement. Chief Executive of Screen Ireland, Désirée Finnegan said:
“For two Irish animated shorts to be recognised in this way truly highlights the original voices and artistic vision that drives Irish animation. We wish the filmmakers every success as they enter the next round of voting.”
Retirement Plan, directed by John Kelly, made its debut at this year’s Galway Film Fleadh while Éiru, directed by Giovanna Ferrari, won the festival’s award for Best Animated Short.
The films were selected as two of 15 shortlisted titles from 113 qualifying entries. They will now progress to a further process of voting, with nominations being announced on Thursday 22 January, 2026. The 98th Oscars will be held on Sunday 15 March in Hollywood.
Retirement Plan stars Domhnall Gleeson as Ray. The story follows his fantasies about the ambitions he plans to fulfill in retirement, once he finally has the “time.”
The film has received significant international recognition, including the Grand Jury Award at the South by Southwest Film Festival and the Best of the Festival Award at Palm Springs Shortfest.
On home soil, the film has also won Best Animated Short Film at the Foyle Film Festival in Derry and Best Irish Professional Short at Animation Dingle 2025
Éiru follows the story of the youngest child of an Iron Age clan as she journeys into the belly of the earth to retrieve the water of life for her people. Inspired by the fertility and sovereignty goddess of Irish folklore (from whom Ireland takes its name; Éire) the film explores themes of land, nature, and feminine inner strength.
The short was executive produced by the Irish animation company Cartoon Saloon which has received five previous Academy Award nominations. Éiru has also won national and international awards, including the prize for Best Animated Short at the RiverRun International Film Festival in North Carolina and Best Irish Short Film at the Dublin Animation Film Festival.
