Rockford's Oscar® SHORTS Preview

In celebration of the 2025 Oscar® Nominated Short Films theatrical release, Rockford’s Oscar® SHORTS Preview is set for Saturday, March 1, at The Music Box in downtown Rockford. Presented by SHORTS, the Oscar® Nominated Short Films release, available only in theaters and select venues, will showcase all short films nominated in the categories of Best Live Action, Best Animated, and Best Documentary Short Film.

With support from Xfinity, we're transforming The Music Box into a micro theater for a day, offering guests an intimate film screening experience on the eve of the 2025 Academy Awards®.

The Oscar® SHORTS release, administered by ShortsTV marks the only opportunity audiences can watch all of the short film nominees before the 97th Academy Awards® on March 2. In addition to Oscar® short film nominee screenings, Rockford’s Oscar® SHORTS Preview includes industry networking, local film updates, light snacks, beverages for sale, and adjacent restaurant specials.

Doors open at 1 p.m. and film screenings begin at 1:30 p.m. with 2025 Oscar® Documentary Short Film Nominees, followed by the Animated Short Film Nominees at 5 p.m. and Live Action Nominees at 7 p.m. General admission tickets cost $15+fees per screening or $30+fees for an all-day pass (re-entry is allowed).

ROCKFORD’S OSCAR® SHORTS PREVIEW SCHEDULE

• 1 p.m. – Doors open
• 1:30 p.m. – 2025 Oscar® Documentary Short Film Nominees Screening Block 1
• 3 p.m. – Documentary Intermission
• 3:10 p.m. – 2025 Oscar® Documentary Short Film Nominees Screening Block 2
• 4:15 p.m. – Intermission + Networking
• 5 p.m. – 2025 Oscar® Animated Short Film Nominees Screening
• 6:30 p.m. – Intermission + Networking
• 7 p.m. – 2025 Oscar® Live Action Short Film Nominees Screening
• 9 p.m. – After-Party (The Music Box opens to public)

Schedule subject to change.

RATING: Some programs may not be appropriate for audiences under 18 due to gun violence, shootings, language and animated nudity.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Music Box, 218 East State Street, Rockford, United States