The 2026 Oscar nominations for live action short films unveil a world where social tension, period parodies, and dystopian laws collide in under forty minutes. This collection of global stories challenges traditional narratives while offering a diverse look at the human condition across several different continents.

The following cinematic journey begins with a tense examination of suspicion and survival in a modern workplace.

Directed by Meyer Levinson-Blount, this Israeli production, Butcher’s Stain, follows a Palestinian butcher named Samir who faces a crisis at his supermarket job. When posters of Israeli hostages are damaged in the break room, Samir becomes the primary suspect among his coworkers. He must navigate a delicate social landscape to prove his innocence and protect his livelihood from the brewing accusations.

The narrative functions like a modern folktale, utilizing Hebrew and Arabic dialogue to ground its poignant and ironic conclusion. The film runs for twenty-six minutes and offers a stark look at how external conflicts permeate everyday professional environments.

Where to watch: United States audiences can find this short through the official 2026 Oscar Nominated Short Films theatrical release via Landmark Theatres and the Colonial Theatre. Viewers can also stream online primarily through Kanopy in the US.

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An accidental encounter in a backyard leads to a touching exploration of hidden identities and friendship.

This United Kingdom entry features Alistair Nwachukwu as a teenager who befriends an elderly widow after losing his soccer ball in her garden. Miriam Margolyes portrays the blunt and charming Dorothy, who enlists the young man to assist her with daily household tasks.

The title subtly references the history of the g-- community, a theme mirrored in the interests of the young protagonist. Written and directed by Lee Knight, the twenty-one-minute film balances predictable tropes with a surprising final twist that moves many viewers to tears.

Where to watch: In the United States and international markets, A Friend of Dorothy is currently available in select theaters as part of the combined Oscar shorts program. While streaming in the UK/Europe on Disney+, it is not officially listed on Disney+ USA.

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Traditional costume dramas receive a satirical and physiological makeover in this bold American comedy.

This thirteen-minute American film, Jane Austen’s Period Drama, parodies the aesthetic of nineteenth-century English romances with a focus on a singular, bawdy misunderstanding. When a suitor mistakes menstrual blood for a life-threatening injury, the resulting chaos serves as a sharp commentary on male ignorance.

The production features Emma Thompson as an Executive Menstrual Advisor, lending a touch of prestige to the provocative humor. Directed by Steve Pinder and Julia Aks, the short uses pun-filled character names to lean into its feminist satire. It remains the shortest nominee in the category but delivers a memorable impact through its unique blend of elegance and absurdity.

Where to watch: Viewers in the United States and around the world can stream Jane Austen’s Period Drama for free on YouTube (channel: JULIA AKS), Prime video and Kanopy. It remains one of the most accessible nominees for a global audience this season.

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A gritty setting becomes the stage for a showcase of extraordinary vocal talent and musical competition.

Inspired by the writings of Ivan Turgenev, this American short, The Singers, is set within a dilapidated bar where patrons engage in a singing duel. The film features five real-life viral performers, including subway legend Mike Young and opera tenor Matt Corcoran.

Director Sam A. Davis captures these performances with a raw energy that highlights the talent of street performers and professional vocalists alike. The eighteen-minute runtime acts as a concentrated concert, blending blues, folk, and opera into a cohesive narrative experience.

Where to watch: The Singers is available for streaming on Netflix and Prime Video for subscribers in the United States and most international territories. This wide distribution makes it a frontrunner for viewers following the awards race from home.

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The final nominee transports the audience to a monochrome future where intimacy is strictly forbidden.

This French production, Two People Exchanging Saliva, presents a black-and-white Paris where public displays of affection are punishable by death. In this eerie landscape, currency is replaced by physical v------, and a department store employee becomes the center of a jealous rivalry.

At thirty-six minutes, it is the longest and most stylistically complex film among the current live-action nominees. Directors Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Singh utilize a narrator and chapter divisions to guide the audience through this unsettling parable. While the elegant visuals are praised, the abstract plot and character names suggest a deeper, more challenging commentary on social consumption.

Where to watch: Global audiences and United States viewers can watch Two People Exchanging Saliva on YouTube (channel: The New Yorker). It is also featured in the theatrical package for the 2026 Oscar Nominated Short Films.

Whether through biting satire or stark dystopian warnings, these five nominees represent the pinnacle of short-form storytelling in 2026. As they move from digital platforms to the Oscars stage, they remind us that a powerful cinematic message does not require a feature-length runtime to leave a lasting mark.

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