With the 98th Academy Awards approaching, all 15 Oscar-nominated short films are now available to stream online or watch in theaters, thanks to a collaboration between filmmaker Taika Waititi and Roadside Attractions. This marks a significant shift in how audiences can access these films, which often serve as a launching point for future Oscar winners and industry leaders.

Background on Oscar-Nominated Shorts and Their Filmmakers

Several notable filmmakers began their careers with Oscar-nominated shorts. Damien Chazelle, who directed Whiplash, started with Guardians of the Galaxy, while Wes Anderson’s Bottle Rocket was a breakthrough. Domee Shi, who directed Bao, became the first woman to win an Oscar for a Pixar short in 2018.

Among the 2026 nominees is All the Empty Rooms, directed by Joshua Seftel, which follows CBS News reporter Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp as they document the untouched rooms of school-shooting victims and speak with their parents. The film has received significant exposure through CBS’s Sunday Morning segment, which has helped raise awareness about the project.

Thematic Depth and Cultural Relevance

Many of the nominated films address pressing social and political issues. Armed Only With a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud focuses on the life of an American journalist killed while reporting on the Ukraine war. The film is directed by Craig Renaud, who worked alongside his late brother, Brent, to memorialize his work.

Other films explore themes such as abortion access in post-Dobbs America, with The Devil Is Busy capturing the daily life at an Atlanta abortion clinic through the perspective of its security head. The film was directed by Christalyn Hampton and Geeta Gandbhir, both of whom have previously been recognized for their documentary work.

Children No More: ‘Were and Are Gone’ follows activists in Tel Aviv who stage weekly silent protests with the images of children killed by Israeli forces in Gaza. The film, while not currently streaming in the US, is still playing in theaters, offering a powerful visual commentary on the ongoing conflict.

Predictions for the Oscar Winners

While predicting Oscar winners is notoriously difficult, All the Empty Rooms has strong momentum. The film has been regularly featured on the Netflix home page, a platform that has won the best short film category four times since 2014. The exposure from CBS’s Sunday Morning segment, along with its presence on streaming platforms, gives it a significant advantage.

Butterfly, a biographical animated short about Alfred Nakache, a French Algerian Olympic swimmer, has also been making waves. Directed by Florence Miailhe, the film uses animated oil paintings that mimic the works of French artists like Monet and Matisse. The visual storytelling has resonated with audiences, particularly after a sold-out screening at Brooklyn’s Nitehawk Cinema.

Another strong contender is Two People Exchanging Saliva, a dystopian film set in a future where kissing is outlawed and slaps are currency. The film, directed by a lesser-known filmmaker, has been praised for its unique concept and visual style.

Despite the competition, All the Empty Rooms and Butterfly are seen as the top contenders for the best short film Oscar. Their thematic depth, visual appeal, and strategic exposure may give them the edge in a highly competitive category.

The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 22, 2026, with the winners of the short film categories to be announced during the ceremony. The nominees will be competing in both the live-action and animated short film categories, with the winners set to be revealed in a ceremony that typically draws millions of viewers worldwide.