Éiru and Retirement Plan shortlisted for 2026 Oscars

Comhghairdeas to the filmmakers of Retirement Plan and Éiru, two Film Fleadh shorts which have been shortlisted for Best Animated Short at the 98th Academy Awards. Retirement Plan made its World Premiere at the 2024 Galway Film Fleadh and Éiru won the James Horgan Award for Best Animation Short at the 2025 Film Fleadh, qualifying it for Oscar consideration.
 
In Retirement Plan, Domhnall Gleeson narrates the inner monologue of Ray, a man fantasising about everything he’ll do with all the free time that comes after retirement. Retirement Planis directed by John Kelly, from a script co-written by Kelly and Tara Lawall. It is produced by Julie Murnaghan and previous Fleadh award winner Andrew Freedman (Undressing My Mother, His & Hers).
Éiru is about the smallest child of an Iron-Age clan who wants to be a mighty warrior who is taken seriously by her kinfolk. But when the village’s well mysteriously dries up, only she is small enough to descend into the belly of the earth and bring the water of life back to her people. Éiru is written and directed by Cartoon Saloon’s Giovanna Ferrari, and produced by previous Fleadh award winner Nora Twomey (From Darkness).
Retirement Plan and Éiru are two of the 15 films shortlisted from 113 qualifying entries to the Best Animated Short category. Nominations for the 97th Academy Awards will be announced on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Go n-eirí leo i rith an phróisis ainmniúcháin.
 
 

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