🎬 Jamie Lee Curtis, Zoe Saldana, Thomasin McKenzie Headline an Oscar-Qualifying Celebration
The HollyShorts Film Festival 20th Anniversary isn’t just another birthday—it’s a full-blown Hollywood moment.
From August 8–18, 2024, the Oscar®-qualifying festival returns to Los Angeles with a milestone lineup that feels as glamorous as a red-carpet premiere and as electric as opening night at the TCL Chinese Theatre.
For film lovers who split their time between Beverly Hills screenings, Santa Monica dinner reservations, and late-night conversations over cocktails in West Hollywood, HollyShorts has long been a cultural sweet spot.
This year, the festival celebrates two decades of discovering talent—with over 400 short films selected from more than 6,000 submissions worldwide—and a lineup packed with star power, creative risk, and that unmistakable feeling that you’re seeing tomorrow’s Oscar winners today.
And yes, the buzz is real. Very real.
Why the HollyShorts Film Festival 20th Anniversary Matters
There are film festivals—and then there are career-making festivals. The HollyShorts Film Festival sits firmly in the second category. Last year, the Academy® granted HollyShorts its fourth Oscar®-qualifying award, this time for Documentary Short Film, joining its existing qualifying categories for Best Short Film Grand Prize, Best Short Animation, and Best Short Live Action.
That means winners here are eligible for 2025 Academy® Award consideration. For filmmakers, that’s the equivalent of being handed a golden ticket—and for audiences, it’s a front-row seat to history.
In a city where everyone’s chasing the next big thing (and occasionally chasing parking), HollyShorts delivers something refreshing: discovery. It’s relatable in the best way—you might watch a short one night and see its director on the Oscar stage a year later. That kind of “remember when?” moment never gets old.
Star-Studded Shorts, Big Flavor Energy
The HollyShorts Film Festival 20th Anniversary lineup reads like a greatest-hits playlist curated by Hollywood itself. Among the live-action standouts:
-
“Burn Out”, produced by Jamie Lee Curtis
-
“Dovecote”, featuring Zoe Saldana
-
“How Can I Help You”, starring Thomasin McKenzie
These aren’t quick celebrity cameos—they’re thoughtful, layered performances that prove short films can pack just as much emotional punch as a feature. The energy is fun-loving, bold, and surprisingly intimate. Think tasting-menu intensity rather than all-you-can-eat excess. Every film has its own flavor.
And yes, there’s a sense of humor woven throughout the program. Some shorts make you laugh out loud; others make you laugh nervously—because great storytelling does that. It’s relatable, human, and occasionally hits uncomfortably close to home (in a good way).
A New Sports Category Brings Fresh Heat
New this year: HollyShorts launches an inaugural Sports category, judged by NBA Champion Metta World Peace. The category debuts with films that blend athletic excellence, cultural storytelling, and real-world impact.
Highlights include documentaries from Matt Barnes, Red Bull Media House’s “Life of Kai” featuring ESPY winner Kai Lenny, and projects connected to the Seattle Seahawks, AC Milan, and ESPN’s 30 for 30. It’s a smart expansion—proof that HollyShorts understands how culture, sport, and cinema intersect.
Documentaries, Animation, and Music Videos Worth Your Time
The documentary slate alone could fuel weeks of post-screening conversations over wine. Selections include “Alok” (executive produced by Jodie Foster), “The Final Copy of Ilon Specht” by two-time Oscar® winner Ben Proudfoot, and “Whitney Houston in Focus.”
Animation lovers will find gems like “The Brown Dog” with voice performances by Steve Buscemi and the late Michael K. Williams—films that are playful, emotional, and visually stunning.
And yes, even music videos get their moment, with entries like Shania Twain’s “Giddy Up!” proving that short-form storytelling thrives across genres.
For a deeper dive into Oscar-qualifying festivals, the Academy’s own overview is worth bookmarking: https://www.oscars.org/oscars/rules-eligibility.
Mini FAQ: HollyShorts Film Festival 20th Anniversary
Q: Is HollyShorts an Oscar-qualifying festival?
A: Yes. HollyShorts is officially Oscar®-qualifying in multiple categories, including Live Action, Animation, and Documentary Short Film.
Q: Where do screenings take place?
A: In person at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, with additional virtual screenings via the BITPIX platform.
Q: When is the festival?
A: August 8–18, 2024, with the awards gala on August 18.
Final Take: Why You Should Go
The HollyShorts Film Festival 20th Anniversary isn’t just for filmmakers—it’s for anyone who loves culture, creativity, and that spark you feel when you discover something new. Go for the stars. Stay for the stories. Leave inspired.
If you care about where cinema is headed—and you enjoy a little fun-loving flavor with your art—this is one Los Angeles event you shouldn’t miss.
🎟️ Full schedule and tickets: https://hollyshorts2024.eventive.org/passes/buy
