FORT WORTH, Texas — Fort Worth rolled out the red carpet Wednesday evening for six short films that could be nominated for an Academy Award.

The Fort Worth Film Commission hosted the event as part of its premiere package program that provides filmmakers with a free theatrical release since, per Academy rules, a film must screen for seven consecutive days to qualify. The package also includes an all-expenses paid trip to Cowtown to celebrate the film.

Now in its second year, film commissioner Taylor Hardy said the commission aimed to enhance the program for filmmakers this time around.

Not only was there a new red carpet screening venue in the Modern Art Museum, but the commission also gave filmmakers a chance to meet local production companies and vendors to see what the filmmaking infrastructure looks like in Fort Worth.

“We’re helping the filmmakers connect with the local community,” Hardy told the Star-Telegram.

Fort Worth Film Commission hosts Oscar-qualifying films

Filmmakers from all six films attended Wednesday’s event.

The four films chosen by the FWFC’s program include coming-of-age drama “Birdie,” documentary “Cindy Sherman: Picture This,” animated horror “Monitor” and LGBTQ+ period drama “Powdered & Dancing.” There were also two special presentations in ‘80s comedy “Last Minute” and a documentary on Dallas singer Joshua Ray Walker’s cancer journey, called “Thank You for Listening.”

“Powdered & Dancing” co-director Hugh Wyld came from London for the event, which was not only his first time in Fort Worth, but also in the Lone Star State.

“It’s been just incredible to witness how much film is celebrated here,” Wyld said under a freshly bought black cowboy hat. “We’ve done these tours around different studios, which has been incredible.”

“Birdie” director Praise Odigie Paige, who is based in New York, said she heard about the premiere program through a friend and thought it was a special opportunity.

“I just thought it would be a really cool space to show my film and share it with this community,” Paige said.

“Thank You for Listening” co-director Gene Gallerano, who is from Dallas, said he was excited to be part of the evening since the film has such a Texas focus.

“What the film commissioner and Fort Worth film team has done for the group of filmmakers is really cool and special,” he said.

What’s next for the Oscar-qualifying films

Now it’s a waiting game for these six films.

The Academy’s submission deadline for animated, documentary and live-action short films was Oct. 8. If any of the filmmakers is on their way to a nomination, they’ll find out when the Academy releases its Oscars shortlist on Dec. 15. From there, Oscar nominations will be announced in mid-January ahead of the ceremony in mid-March.

One of the film’s selected in last year’s premiere program, “The Pearl Comb,” landed on the Oscar shortlist but fell short of a nomination. Looking ahead to this year’s crop, Hardy is hopeful for a nomination and said the films are “really special.”

The program received double the amount of submissions this year and the plan is to keep the program running for years to come.

“I wish these filmmakers all the best,” Hardy said. “A nomination, a win, would be incredible not only for our community, but also for these filmmakers as they move forward in their career.”

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