AFI FEST 2022 announced the winners of the Jury awards with the Grand Jury Prize – Live Action Short going to Birds directed by Katherine Propper, Grand Jury Prize – Documentary Short went to Haulout directed by Evgenia Arbugaeva and Maxim Arbugaev, and Grand Jury Prize – Animated Short went to Sierra directed by Sander Joon. The Grand Jury Award winners for Live Action Short, Documentary Short and Animated Short will be eligible for the 2022 Best Live Action Short, Best Documentary Short and Best Animated Short Academy Awards®.

“AFI FEST is a proud symbol of the power of this art form to bring people together,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “We are proud to create an experience that reminds us of the importance of being present and the joy of being alive.”

Grand Jury Prize – Live Action Short
BIRDS (DIR Katherine Propper)
Jury Statement: “For masterfully weaving together a deeply authentic vérité ensemble film, immersing us in the lives of youth on a sizzling Texas summer. BIRDS is magical, tense, romantic and timeless.”

Grand Jury Prize – Documentary Short
HAULOUT (DIR Evgenia Arbugaeva and Maxim Arbugaev)
Jury Statement: “It’s a revelatory documentary about the devastating effects of climate change — told with stunning images like never seen before.”

Grand Jury Prize – Animated Short
SIERRA (DIR Sander Joon)
Jury Statement: “Simple in subject but deep in content, SIERRA is playful and poignant and sticks with you long after viewing.”

Special Mentions

Special Jury Mention for Ensemble Acting – Live Action Short
YOKELAN, 66 (DIR Yi Tang)

Special Jury Mention for Screenwriting – Live Action Short
HOW TO BE A PERSON: HOW TO GET AN ABORTION (DIR Sindha Agha)

Special Jury Mention for Lead Acting – Live Action Short
AN AVOCADO PIT (UM CAROÇO DE ABACATE) (DIR Ary Zara)

Special Jury Mention for Cinematography – Documentary Short
KYLIE (DIR Sterling Hampton)

Special Jury Mention for Historical Relevance – Documentary Short
NOT EVEN FOR A MOMENT DO THINGS STAND STILL (DIR Jamie Meltzer)

Special Jury Mention for Sound Design – Animated Short
THE SPIRAL (DIR María Silvia Esteve)

Special Jury Mention for Editing – Animated Short
IT’S RAINING FROGS OUTSIDE (AMPANGABAGAT NIN TALAKBA HA LIKOL) (DIR Maria Estela Paiso)