The NFB At The Oscars: A Love Story

Did you know that the NFB has more Academy Award nominations than any other production company or organization outside of Hollywood? And, we've won a whopping 11 Oscars! Try and beat that, Meryl!

Churchill's Island (1941)

Best Documentary (Short Subject)

dir: Stuart Legg

Our first Oscar win was also the first film to win what is now known as the Best Documentary Oscar! This 1941 doc explores the multiple defense strategies employed by the British during the Battle of Britain. War buffs, this one's for you!

Neighbours (1952)

Best Documentary (Short Subject)

dir: Norman McLaren

One of the first films to employ stop-motion told the zany story of two friends whose love-hate relationship comes to blows over a simple backyard flower. Wildly funny and inventive, this allegorical film only needs 8 minutes to impress you.

I'll Find a Way (1977)

Best Live Action Short Film

dir: Beverly Shaffer

Our first Live Action Short win was a short film about a 9-year-old girl named Nadia with spina bifida. Even though Nadia knows kids will tease her, the wise youth's only wish is to attend a regular school. Heartwarming and inspiring, this short will leave you with a smile on your face.

The Sand Castle (1977)

Best Animated Short Film

dir: Co Hoedeman

Who else can boast that the Sandman helped them win their first Animated Short Oscar? Watch as a group of lively sand sculptures come together to construct a home that must battle Mother Nature.

Special Delivery (1978)

Best Animated Short Film

dir: Eunice Macaulay and John Weldon

If you think you're having a bad day, just wait till you meet Ralph. This black comedy about adultery and death all starts with a mailman and a slippery step and quickly tumbles into utter chaos.

Every Child (1979)

Best Animated Short Film

dir: Eugene Fedorenko

Our next animated win centres around acceptance and proves that sometimes, you really can choose your family. An orphaned baby keeps getting passed around from house to house before finally finding love in an unusual place.

If You Love This Planet (1982)

Best Documentary (Short Subject)

dir: Terre Nash

Would you believe an NFB film was cited as being "foreign political propaganda" by the U.S. Department of Justice and banned in the United States? Well, it happened! Outspoken nuclear critic and feminist Dr. Helen Caldicott gave a riveting lecture that criticized the deadly arms race that was prevalent in the media in the 1980s, and outlined the dangers posed by nuclear weapons.

Flamenco at 5:15 (1983)

Best Documentary (Short Subject)

dir: Cynthia Scott

Pop on your dancing shoes because we've got a film that'll make you want to boogie! Learn the centuries-old art of flamenco dancing with the late, great Susana Robledo.

Bob's Birthday (1993)

Best Animated Short Film

dir: David Fine and Alison Snowden

Surprise birthday parties can be risky... especially when the guest of honour is turning the big 4-0. Watch as Bob's hilarious midlife crisis ruins a perfectly lovely birthday party in a short film that later went on to become a popular Canadian and British television series! **NSFW**

Ryan (2004)

Best Animated Short Film

dir: Chris Landreth

Ryan is one of the more gritty and heartbreaking films of ours to receive Academy acclaim. Influential Canadian animator Ryan Larkin’s life, art, and personal struggles with alcoholism and homelessness are exposed in our ode to an animation legend. **NSFW**

The Danish Poet (2006)

Best Animated Short Film

dir: Torill Kove

Our most recent win is all about soulmates and the extraordinary lengths one will go to for love. When Kaspar, a young poet, finds himself in a bit of a slump, he embarks on a journey that involves death, miscommunication and wacky haircare.

Watch our new Oscar-nominated Short!

Me and My Moulton (2015)

dir: Torill Kove

If you're Canadian, you can watch our 73rd Oscar® nominee here until January 17, 2015!

With a bright palette and witty dialogue, the film tells the charming story of a seven-year-old girl and her sisters, who ask for a bicycle knowing full well that their loving yet unconventional parents will likely disappoint them.