Montreal’s vibrant arts community received international recognition at the Academy Awards as local filmmakers Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski captured the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film for their stop motion creation The Girl Who Cried Pearls. The award was presented during the 98th Academy Awards ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, marking a major moment for Montreal’s creative industry and Canada’s animation community.
During their acceptance speech, the filmmakers expressed gratitude to the artistic community that helped shape the project. Szczerbowski thanked the city that inspired much of the film’s creative energy, praising Montreal’s thriving arts scene and the collaborators who contributed to the project. Lavis echoed the sentiment, celebrating both Montreal and Canada while standing on the global stage.
The film features an atmospheric musical score created by Montreal musician Patrick Watson, a longtime collaborator of the directors. Watson assembled a group of well known Canadian musicians for the soundtrack, including Richard Reed Parry of Arcade Fire and Sophie Trudeau of Godspeed You! Black Emperor, along with guitarist Brad Barr and cellist Rebecca Foon. Their orchestral arrangement adds emotional depth to the film’s storytelling.
Set in early twentieth century Montreal, the short film follows a poor boy surviving on the streets of the St Henri neighbourhood. His life takes a mysterious turn when he meets a girl who sheds pearls when she cries, opening the door to a fable that blends hardship, imagination, and hope. The filmmakers have said the story was partly inspired by Montreal’s literary tradition and cultural history, drawing influence from writers such as Mordecai Richler and Gabrielle Roy.
The project was produced by the National Film Board of Canada and marks another milestone for Lavis and Szczerbowski, who were previously nominated for an Oscar in 2008 for their animated short Madame Tutli-Putli. On stage at the ceremony, the filmmakers also thanked producers Julie Roy, Marc Bertrand and Christine Noël along with collaborators Brigitte Henry, Patrick Watson, Colm Feore and James Hyndman for helping bring the project to life.
Following the Oscar victory, congratulations poured in across social media from public figures and cultural leaders in Quebec and across Canada. The win not only highlights the success of the filmmakers but also reinforces Montreal’s reputation as one of North America’s most dynamic hubs for animation, film, and artistic storytelling. The animated short is currently available for free viewing on the National Film Board of Canada’s website and official YouTube channel.
