The Bead Game (1977)
Artistically, this is an amazing filmmaking feat, stop-motion animation done entirely with beads. Somehow in its short six minute runtime, it manages to tell the entire story of animal life on earth. It juxtaposes wonderfully the inherent violence in the food chain, where the strongest survive, to the self-destructive nature of more ‘civilized’ human beings. I’m sure I will be seeking out Ishu Patel’s other Oscar nomination soon.
Oscar Nomination: Best Short Film, Animated