The Oscars are calling, and Sheridan College's animation program is answering!
In a thrilling turn of events, two films created by graduates of the Oakville, Ontario-based program have been nominated for the prestigious Academy Awards. KPop Demon Hunters and Elio, directed by Toronto's own Maggie Kang and Domee Shi, are up for the Best Animated Feature Film at the 98th Oscars. KPop Demon Hunters also scored a nod for Best Original Song, a testament to its captivating soundtrack.
But here's where it gets personal. For Phoebe Yeonsu Lee, a fourth-year animation student, seeing Kang's success hits close to home. As a woman of Korean descent, Lee finds Kang's journey inspiring, especially since K-pop played a significant role in her teenage years. She never imagined her culture could be represented so powerfully on the big screen, and Kang's achievement gives her hope for her own future.
And this is the part most people miss: Sheridan College has a rich history of nurturing award-winning talent. The program, over 60 years old, has produced renowned animators like Chris Williams, who won an Oscar for Big Hero 6, and Domee Shi, who took home the award for her short film Bao. Shi's feature film Turning Red, inspired by her Chinese-Canadian upbringing, was also nominated for an Oscar in 2023.
Mario Positano, the program coordinator, believes that the success of alumni like Shi and Kang motivates current students to dream big. The program encourages students to explore their creativity while staying up-to-date with technology, and the results speak for themselves.
The impact of these nominations is felt beyond the campus. Students like Molly McCutcheon, who traveled from Australia to attend Sheridan, find inspiration in KPop Demon Hunters' unique story and its strong female characters. The film's success gives her hope that her own ideas can one day reach similar heights.
So, as the world awaits the Academy Awards ceremony on March 15 in Los Angeles, the question remains: Could the next big name in animation come from Sheridan College? The answer, according to Positano, is a resounding yes.
And for those who dare to dream, the journey begins with a single step. But be warned: the road to the Oscars is paved with hard work, dedication, and a whole lot of talent.
