University of Utah professor’s short film nominated for Academy Award
Mar 10, 2024, 3:35 PM | Updated: 5:59 pm
Among 2024 Oscar Nominees that were announced last week was “Ninety-Five Senses,” a short film co-written by University of Utah professor Hubbel Palmer. (University of Utah webpage)
(University of Utah webpage)
SALT LAKE CITY — Among 2024 Oscar Nominees that were announced last week was “Ninety-Five Senses,” a short film co-written by University of Utah professor Hubbel Palmer, and his writing partner, Chris Bowman.
Palmer expressed his surprise at the recognition by saying, “When my writing partner, Chris Bowman, and I got involved with this project, we never dreamed it would end up here,” according to an article on the university webpage.
The film reunited Palmer and Bowman with directors Jared and Jerusha Hess, with whom they had previously collaborated on several projects. Jared and Jerusha are known for their comedies like “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Nacho Libre.”
The narrative of “Ninety-Five Senses” unfolds through the work of six different teams of animators. Each used a unique style to depict the final regrets and redemption of a death-row inmate, voiced by Tim Blake Nelson.
The film has received many accolades. Also, numerous film festival showcases.
“It’s been amazing to watch this simple story touch people in a deep way,” Palmer expressed.
Andrew Patrick Nelson, Chair of the Department of Film & Media Arts at the University of Utah, commended Palmer’s nomination.
“This is a remarkable achievement for Hubbel and a cause for celebration for everyone in the department,” Nelson said in the universities’ article. “Hubbel exemplifies our department’s commitment to supporting faculty filmmakers who then bring their real-world experiences into the classroom.”
Palmer expressed gratitude towards his colleagues and the department. “I gotta shout out my chair, Andrew Nelson, and everyone in the Department of Film & Media Arts for being so supportive of this and all my endeavors.”
You can watch the short film for a limited time on MAST’s Small Screenings platform. The MAST program supported the film’s production.
Related reading: University of Utah indefinitely pauses SAT and ACT admissions requirements
