Spanish animated short film ‘The Quinta’s Ghost‘ has officially been shortlisted for the Best Animated Short Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, placing it among just 15 films selected from 113 qualifying entries worldwide.
Directed by James A. Castillo and narrated by acclaimed Spanish actress Maribel Verdú (Pan’s Labyrinth, Y tu mamá también), the film is produced by Illusorium and Martirio Films. The shortlist announcement was revealed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on December 16, marking a major milestone for the Spanish animation scene.
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A Huge Moment for Spanish Animation
‘The Quinta’s Ghost’ stands out not just for its Oscars momentum, but for what it represents. It is Illusorium’s first original production, opening a distinctly Spanish cultural lens to a global audience through bold, experimental animation and emotionally driven storytelling.
The film’s selection places it alongside some of the most cutting-edge animated work in the world, with Academy members from the Animation and Short Films branches required to meet strict viewing thresholds before voting.
Director James A. Castillo Reacts
Emmy award-winning director James A. Castillo described the moment the shortlist was announced as overwhelming in the best way.
“It’s incredible news. I tremble just thinking about it. I was preparing dinner, trying to avoid my phone because the anticipation was driving me crazy, and then notifications from friends and family started flooding in. We laughed, screamed, and cried.”
Castillo also spoke to the immense effort required to get an animated short seen at this level.
“Making your film visible is a monumental effort. Every gesture pushes us one step further. Seeing the Academy select films that are nuanced, risky, and interesting feels truly special.”
A Studio-Wide Victory
For Raúl Rocha, executive producer and head of Illusorium, the shortlist represents validation after years of ambitious work.
“Getting this far already seemed unthinkable. It’s astonishing. Many people doubted what we were doing during production, and this proves it did make sense.”
With more than 160 artists and technicians contributing to the project, Rocha emphasised the collective effort behind the film.
“I would like to personally thank each and every person involved. And also thank the Academy for selecting a piece that breaks with many pre-established frameworks in animation.”
What Happens Next
In the next round, Academy members from all branches will vote on the shortlisted films, with nominees announced on January 22, 2026.
The final awards ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, and will be broadcast live on ABC and across more than 200 countries.
Film Info
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The Quinta’s Ghost (El Fantasma de la Quinta) |
| Director | James A. Castillo |
| Narration | Maribel Verdú |
| Studios | Illusorium, Martirio Films |
| Category | Best Animated Short Film |
| Oscars | 98th Academy Awards |
| Shortlist | December 16, 2025 |
| Ceremony | March 15, 2026 |
TLDR;
• ‘The Quinta’s Ghost’ is shortlisted for Best Animated Short Film at the 2026 Oscars
• Selected from 113 qualifying films, narrowed to 15
• Directed by James A. Castillo, narrated by Maribel Verdú
• Marks Illusorium’s first original production
• Nominations announced January 22, 2026
For more information, visit: https://www.thequintasghost.com/
This is a signal that bold, culturally rooted animation is being taken seriously on the world’s biggest stage.
Stay unruly.
