The short has been voted the film most likely to win the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film following the festival’s sixth annual online event, securing more than 50 percent of the vote from just over 3,500 participants. The online showcase featured seven shortlisted titles across both the Live Action and Animated categories, with A Friend Of Dorothy emerging as the decisive frontrunner.
The Manhattan Short Online initiative, launched during the COVID pandemic, was designed to extend the reach of the long-running global short film platform. Now heading into its 29th year, Manhattan Short’s flagship theatrical event connects audiences across more than 500 venues worldwide, inviting them to screen and vote on ten finalist shorts annually. The festival has built a reputation as an Oscar bellwether, with multiple past audience favorites going on to win Academy Awards the following year.
This year, the organization expanded audience engagement beyond voting. Participants were encouraged to post images of the film they selected on social media, alongside personal statements explaining their choice. If the film they backed wins the Oscar on March 15, those voters will be entered into a draw for a $1,000 cash prize.
“So many of our venues and audiences have championed the films that have come through our theatrical event toward the Oscars over the last twenty years, we wanted to take it a step further,” said founder Nicholas Mason. “I think we are opening the doors and finding something very special with Manhattan Short Online. Getting the public involved in marketing the shorts has been a lot of fun.”
Among the voters was Brenda Drane, who called selecting just one film a challenge given the strength of the lineup. She ultimately chose A Friend Of Dorothy, describing it as “a beautiful story that spreads the message to care for one another no matter what age, race, gender or background you come from,” adding that the film’s optimism felt especially resonant in the current climate.
With a majority of Manhattan Short’s online audience behind it, A Friend Of Dorothy now heads into Oscar night with notable grassroots momentum.
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