Quebec filmmaker vies for Oscar nomination with live short

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – A short film by Quebec actor Yan England is in the running for an Oscar nomination.

England’s 21-minute film “Henry” is among 11 shorts being considered for a nod in the live action short category.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences says “Henry” will compete against contenders with considerable star power: actress Bryce Dallas Howard directs “when you find me,” executive produced by her famous Oscar-winning dad, Ron Howard.

Also in the running is the Dutch-language “Death of a Shadow (Dood van een Schaduw),” featuring “Rust and Bone” hunk Matthias Schoenaerts; and the Italian-set “The Night Shift Belongs to the Stars,” with Nastassja Kinski and Julian Sands.

“Henry” is about a concert pianist whose life is thrown into turmoil when the love of his life mysteriously disappears.

The Academy’s branch for short films and feature animation will now whittle the field down to between three and five nominees. Nominations will be announced Jan. 10, 2013.

The awards bash will air Feb. 24, 2013 on ABC.