Retirement Plan
| Retirement Plan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | John Kelly |
| Written by |
|
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | Domhnall Gleeson |
Release date |
|
Running time | 7 minutes |
| Country | Ireland |
| Language | English |
Retirement Plan is a 2024 Irish animated short film directed by John Kelly[1] and co-written by John Kelly and Tara Lawall.[2] The 7-minute animated film[3] about the fantasies of a middle-aged man has been awarded in various international film festivals,[4] including Palm Spring International ShortFest[5] and SXSW Festival.[6]
The film's style, which has been described as expressively understated, subdued and stripped-back,[7][8] was animated using Moho animation software.[1][9]
The film was nominated for Best Animated Short Film[10][11] at the 98th Academy Awards.[12]
Plot
[edit]Overwhelmed by his life, middle-aged man Ray (Domhnall Gleeson) dreams about his retirement, planning everything he'd like to do once he finally has time for himself.
Accolades
[edit]Since its release, the film has been selected for various festivals around the world and the Oscars:
| Year | Festivals | Award/Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Galway Film Fleadh | Best Animated Short[13] | Nominated |
| 2025 | SXSW | Grand Jury Award[14] | Won |
| Audience Award[14] | Won | ||
| Palm Spring International ShortFest | Best of the Festival Award[15] | Won | |
| Indy Shorts International Film Fest | Best Animated Short[16] | Won | |
| HollyShorts Film Festival | Best Animated Short[17] | Nominated | |
| Bali International Film Festival | Best Animated Short[18] | Won | |
| Foyle Film Festival | Best Animated Short Film[19] | Won | |
| 2025 | Academy Awards | Best Animated Short[20] | Nominated |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 Jackson, Destiny (2025-09-17). "Filmmaker John Kelly On Creating The 'Panic Attack' Inspired Domhnall Gleeson Animated Short 'Retirement Plan'; 'I Was Prioritizing The Future At The Expense Of The Present'". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
- ↑ "How a panic attack turned into a film festival darling". The Panther Newspaper. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
- ↑ Mendoza, Leia (2025-09-17). "Animation Is Film Unveils 2025 Festival Lineup: 'Arco,' 'Scarlet,' 'Paranorman: The Thrifting' and More". Variety. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
- ↑ "Screen Ireland-supported projects Hallow Road, Mix Tape and Retirement Plan selected for SXSW 2025". Screen Ireland. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
- ↑ Mendoza, Leia (2025-06-29). "2025 Palm Springs International ShortFest Winners: 'Retirement Plan', 'Shanti Rides Shotgun' and 'Medusa' Win Top Prizes". Variety. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
- ↑ "Strong reaction to Irish film and TV at SXSW 2025 as animated short Retirement Plan wins award". Screen Ireland. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
- ↑ "John Kelly's Retirement Plan – A Delicate Animated Short Blending Humour and Heartfelt Depth". Film & Television Business. 2025-02-28. Retrieved 2026-02-28.
- ↑ John Kelly (2026-02-17). Retirement Plan (2026 Oscar Nominee) - Final Trailer. Retrieved 2026-02-28 – via YouTube.
- ↑ Kelly, John (December 29, 2026). "Retirement Plan – Behind the Scenes – Animation pt 1".
- ↑ Davis, Clayton (2025-12-16). "Oscars Shortlists Announced in 12 Categories: 'Sinners' and 'Wicked: For Good' Lead, 'Sirât' Gets Strong Showing". Variety. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
- ↑ Verhoeven, Beatrice; Lewis, Hilary (2025-12-16). "2026 Oscars Shortlists Revealed". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
- ↑ "98TH OSCARS® SHORTLISTS IN 12 AWARD CATEGORIES ANNOUNCED". press.oscars.org. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
- ↑ "Galway Film Fleadh announces full programme for the 37th edition | The Irish Film & Television Network". www.iftn.ie. Retrieved 2025-09-25.
- 1 2 Smith, Kate (2025-03-17). "Audience Award Winners for the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival". SXSW. Retrieved 2025-09-25.
- ↑ Birnbaum, Debra (2025-06-29). "'Retirement Plan' crowned best of fest at Palm Springs International ShortFest". Gold Derby. Retrieved 2025-09-25.
- ↑ "Indy Shorts Film Festival 2025". tickets.indyshorts.org. Retrieved 2025-09-25.
- ↑ "John Kelly's "Retirement Plan" Heads to HollyShorts". League of Filmmakers. 2025-08-08. Retrieved 2025-09-25.
- ↑ Made (2025-06-09). "Balinale Takes A Bow And Announces Winners". Balinale. Retrieved 2025-10-01.
- ↑ "Foyle Film Festival reveals 2025 Light in Motion Competition Award Winners | The Irish Film & Television Network". www.iftn.ie. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
- ↑ "Jessie Buckley among Irish Oscar nominees". January 22, 2026 – via www.rte.ie.