U of U professor earns Oscar nomination for work on short film

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A short film worked on in part by a professor from the University of Utah was among the nominations for an Academy Award last week, the U of U confirmed on Wednesday.

Hubbel Palmer, an Assistant Professor in the U’s Film and Media Arts Department, was a co-writer on the short film, “Ninety-Five Senses.” Last week, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – more commonly known as the Academy – announced the short film was one of five nominees in the Animated Short Film category.

The film was co-written by Palmer and Chris Bowman, both of whom are known for their work on 2015’s “Masterminds” starring Owen Wilson, Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis and Zach Galifianakis.

‘We can farm in the snow’: Utah farmer grows citrus fruits in the dead of winter

“When my writing partner, Chris Bowman, and I got involved with this project, we never dreamed it would end up here,” said Palmer. “It’s been amazing to watch this simple story touch people in a deep way.”

The nearly 14-minute short animated feature is described as an “ode to the body’s five senses delivered by a man with little time left to enjoy them.” According to the U of U, it features the work of six different animation teams, each using their own style to illustrate the final regrets and redemption of a death-row inmate voiced by Tim Blake Nelson – known for his roles in “Holes,” “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.”

The U of U said “Ninety-Five Senses” has already garnered many awards at dozens of film festivals. It has been hailed as an “endearing and heartbreaking animated work” as well as “a deeply inspirational, wise, beautifully animated piece of art.”

Utah ‘hidden gem’ restaurant named by Yelp in Top 100 places to eat in 2024

“This is a remarkable achievement for Hubbel and cause of celebration for everyone in the Department,” said U of U Department of Film and Media Arts Chair Andrew Patrick Nelson. “It’s important to note that Hubbel is also a talented teacher who is beloved by his students. He exemplifies our Department’s commitment to supporting faculty filmmakers who then bring their real-world experiences into the classroom.”

Palmer said Nelson and the rest of the Film and Media Arts Department have been incredibly supportive of the project and all of his endeavors and are deserving of a “shout out” of their own.

“Ninety-Five Senses” is currently available to watch for a limited time on Documentary+. It will compete for an Academy Award against short films “Letter to a Pig,” “Our Uniform,” “Pachyderme,” and “War is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko“

The 96th Academy Awards, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, will be held at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.