The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has awarded The Girl Who Cried Pearls the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film at the 2026 ceremony. Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski received the award along with another recipient. This crowns its remarkable journey from festival favorite to awards-season standout. The haunting stop‑motion fable captivated voters with its handcrafted visuals. It is centered on a girl whose sorrow turns her tears into pearls. The boy is torn between love and greed. This win marks a major milestone for its filmmakers and further cements the film’s status as one of the defining animated shorts of its year.
Beyond its striking animation style, the short resonated deeply. It transforms a simple fairy‑tale premise into a layered meditation on desire, value, and the cost of betraying what truly matters. The Oscar recognition underscores how powerful short‑form storytelling can be when artistry, atmosphere and narrative theme align. With this victory, The Girl Who Cried Pearls joins the tradition of animated shorts. These works continue to find new audiences long after awards night. This ensures its place in contemporary animation history.
Maciek Szczerbowski and Chris Lavis pose backstage with the Oscar® for Animated Short Film during the 98th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 15, 2026. 
Maciek Szczerbowski and Chris Lavis pose backstage with the Oscar® for Animated Short Film during the 98th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 15, 2026. 
Maciek Szczerbowski and Chris Lavis pose backstage with the Oscar® for Animated Short Film during the 98th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
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