Irish Animator John Kelly Heads to Oscars with “Retirement Plan”

The 98th Academy Awards are just over a week away, and Irish talent is already making its way to Los Angeles for the ceremony on March 15th. Director John Kelly, nominated for Best Animated Short for his film “Retirement Plan,” departed from Dublin Airport today to attend the event.

“Retirement Plan” and the Road to the Oscars

John Kelly’s short film, “Retirement Plan,” has garnered significant attention, even earning praise from Steven Spielberg at the Oscars Nominees Luncheon . The nomination itself came as a surprise to Kelly and his team, who were celebrating a routine online meeting when the news broke. A video of their joyful reaction has been shared on social media, capturing a distinctly Irish celebration with a call for tea.

A Second Oscar Nomination for an Irish Visual Effects Artist

Kelly isn’t the only Irish nominee this year. Richie Baneham, a graduate of Ballyfermot College, is nominated for his third Oscar for Best Visual Effects for “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” having previously won for his perform on the earlier “Avatar” films . Kelly had the opportunity to connect with Baneham in Los Angeles.

About John Kelly and “Retirement Plan”

John Kelly is an American film producer, director, and writer with one Academy Award nomination . “Retirement Plan” has been recognized for its quality and has been Oscar-qualified . The film is nominated alongside four other animated shorts in the category of Best Animated Short.

The 98th Academy Awards

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on March 15th, where the winners in all categories, including Best Animated Short, will be announced .