'Two Black Boys In Paradise' Takes Top Prize At Woodstock Film Festival

One of the most hotly contested categories at the Oscars every year is Best Animated Short. And one of the ways a film can qualify is to win a prize at an Oscar-qualifying festival. One such festival is the prestigious Woodstock Film Festival in New York. And one film has just taken a step closer to potential Oscar glory.

Woodstock Film Festival has awarded the Best Short Animation prize to Two Black Boys In Paradise, the beautifully crafted stop-motion short film based on a poem by award-winning writer Dean Atta. The short triumphed over a selection of 28 shorts, that included work from established artists like Bill Plympton, Aaron Blaise and Kate Bush.

Produced by UK-based studio One6th Animation, the film has now qualified for potential Oscar nomination. If it is nominated, it would be added to a growing list of accolades and prizes. Its festival run has so far seen it land top prizes at Encounters Film Festival, Portland Festival of Cinema, Big Fridge International Film Festival, and the Hollywood Queer Short Film Festival.

Two Black Boys In Paradise follows Eden (19) and Dula (18), two young black boys on a path to self-acceptance. Their love for one another, and their refusal to conceal it, transports them to a paradise free of shame. Inspired by Atta's poem from his acclaimed collection, There Is (Still) Love Here, the film explores the intersection of race, sexuality and identity, tackling the harsh realities of homophobia and racism through a tender, hopeful lens.

Narrated by actor and musician Jordan Stephens, Two Black Boys In Paradise is an emotionally resonant short film that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, while amplifying underrepresented voices. With its bold storytelling, striking visuals and raw emotional depth, the film resonates deeply in a world still grappling with diversity, justice and belonging. And it's already being seen as a serious contender come awards season.

Producer Ben Jackson, accepting the award on the filmmakers' behalf said “It’s an absolute honour to receive this award among such incredibly talented filmmakers, and we’re deeply grateful to the Woodstock Film Festival Jury. Two Black Boys in Paradise is a story about love, acceptance, belonging, and self-discovery - but it’s also about visibility. At a time when conversations around identity and equality are as urgent as ever, we hope this film reminds people that every form of love deserves to be seen, celebrated, and protected. We share this award with everyone who helped bring the film to life, and with everyone who sees themselves in it.”

The presenters of the award said: "Interweaving moments of idyllic intimacy with harrowing experiences of social injustice, the film powerfully illuminates the stigmas queer Black men continue to confront today.  With its emotional honesty, nuanced storytelling, and unforgettable imagery, the film is both a searing critique and a moving celebration of love, making it a profoundly deserving choice for this honour."

This is just the latest win in a remarkable festival run.  The film has recived screenings and nominations at more than 40 festivals wordwide. The award-winning short continues to win plaudits from critics and audiences alike, cementing its place as one of this year's most celebrated and significant animated films. Acclaimed actor Billy Porter, on seeing the short, was quoted as saying “From the first frame the tears came. Hours later I still weep. Finally, somebody sees me. Sees US! Thank you."

 Two Black Boys In Paradise is directed by Baz Sells and written by Baz Sells, Dean Atta and Ben Jackson. It is produced by Ben Jackson and executive-produced by Dean Atta. Animation production was by One6th Animation Studio and the film was funded by the BFI Short Form Animation Fund, awarding National Lottery funding to champion ambitious UK animators. This nationwide initiative offers a rare opportunity for short-form productions to access higher-level funding, empowering filmmakers to bring bold and original creative visions to life. The project also received support in the early stages from actor Sir Ian McKellen and Partizan Films.

The film is available to watch now in the UK on Channel 4.