Canadian Animation Duo Wins Oscar for “The Girl Who Cried Pearls”
Montreal-based animation team Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski have been awarded the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for their National Film Board of Canada (NFB) production, The Girl Who Cried Pearls. The win, announced on March 15, 2026, marks the 12th Oscar for the NFB and the first for this particular duo.
A 20-Year Collaboration with the NFB
Lavis and Szczerbowski, working under the banner of Clyde Henry Productions, have a long-standing relationship with the NFB. Their collaboration began in 1997, and The Girl Who Cried Pearls represents a culmination of two decades of artistic partnership. Prior to this win, they received an Oscar nomination in 2007 for their short film, Madame Tutli-Putli.
From Stop-Motion to Virtual Reality: A Diverse Portfolio
The duo’s creative range extends beyond traditional short films. They adapted Maurice Sendak’s Higglety Pigglety Pop!, directing Meryl Streep in the process. They similarly received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Art Direction for their work on Guy Maddin’s feature film, The Forbidden Room. In 2019, they ventured into immersive experiences with the VR film Gymnasia, which garnered a Canadian Screen Award for Best Immersive Experience.
Blending Traditional and Modern Techniques
Most recently, before The Girl Who Cried Pearls, Lavis and Szczerbowski directed a stop-motion introduction for the video game South of Midnight, collaborating with Compulsion Games and X-Box. This project demonstrates their ability to integrate their signature stop-motion style with contemporary gaming technology.
“The Girl Who Cried Pearls”: A Haunting Fable
The Girl Who Cried Pearls is described as a haunting stop-motion fable. Narrated by Colm Feore, the English-language version of the film is now available for free streaming on NFB.ca and through NFB apps worldwide (excluding France and its overseas territories, Germany, Spain, and Andorra). The film features a score by Patrick Watson and artistic direction by Brigitte Henry.
The Resurgence of Stop-Motion Animation
The success of The Girl Who Cried Pearls highlights a growing appreciation for stop-motion animation. While computer-generated imagery (CGI) dominates much of the animation landscape, stop-motion offers a unique tactile quality and artistic charm. This award could inspire a new wave of filmmakers to explore this traditional technique.
The NFB’s Continued Support for Animation
The NFB has a long history of championing Canadian animation. With 12 Oscars and 79 nominations, the NFB continues to be a vital incubator for talent and innovation in the field. Their support for Lavis and Szczerbowski over the past two decades underscores their commitment to fostering artistic excellence.
Future Trends in Animation
Several trends are shaping the future of animation:
- Hybrid Animation Techniques: Combining stop-motion with CGI and other digital tools to create visually stunning and innovative works.
- Immersive Storytelling: VR and augmented reality (AR) are opening up new possibilities for immersive animated experiences, as demonstrated by Lavis and Szczerbowski’s Gymnasia.
- Independent Animation Platforms: The rise of platforms like Vimeo and YouTube allows independent animators to reach wider audiences and bypass traditional distribution channels.
- Global Collaboration: Animation projects are increasingly becoming international collaborations, bringing together diverse perspectives and artistic styles.
Did you know?
The NFB received an Honorary Academy Award in 1989 for “overall excellence in cinema,” recognizing its 50th anniversary and its significant contributions to the art of filmmaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I watch The Girl Who Cried Pearls?
- Who are Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski?
- What is the NFB?
The film is available for free streaming on NFB.ca and through NFB apps worldwide (excluding France and its overseas territories, Germany, Spain, and Andorra).
They are an award-winning Montreal-based animation duo who have collaborated with the NFB for over 20 years.
The National Film Board of Canada is a government agency dedicated to producing and distributing Canadian films.
Explore more films by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski on the NFB website.
