In a surprising move, Taylor Swift is aiming for an Oscar in a category not commonly pursued by musicians—the Best Fiction Short Film.
The singer has enlisted the help of an agency to campaign for her short film, 'All Too Well: the short film,' which she directed and serves as the music video for the song of the same name.
Traditionally, musicians seek recognition in the Best Original Song category, composing new tracks for films vying for the prestigious award. While stars like Lady Gaga and Bob Dylan have secured Oscars in this category, Taylor Swift has yet to receive a nomination despite several attempts with songs from films like 'Cats,' '50 Shades Darker,' and 'The Hunger Games.'
In a bid to break through, Swift directed 'All Too Well,' qualifying it for consideration in the Best Fiction Short Film category. Although primarily a music video, the short film features additional narrative elements, including a three-minute discussion, providing a unique perspective on a romantic breakup with a significant age difference.
To be eligible for an Oscar, the short film must have been theatrically released, and 'All Too Well' had a week-long run at the AMC Lincoln Square in New York from November 12 to November 18, 2021. While this release date doesn't align with feature film deadlines, it meets the criteria for short films, extending from October 1 of the previous year to September 30 of the current year.
Seizing this opportunity, Swift has reportedly hired an agency specializing in awards season campaigns. The singer, also a composer of the original song 'Carolina' from 'Where the Crawdads Sing,' is channeling her efforts toward securing the coveted statuette. Additionally, her involvement in the film 'Amsterdam' by David O. Russell is noted, although her role is considered too small for an acting award.
'All Too Well,' the song that inspired the short film, originally appeared on the 2012 album 'Red.' Swift's revisit to the track resulted in a 10-minute version released as part of the 'Red' album reissue last year. The autobiographical elements of the lyrics, depicting a painful breakup with an older partner, have sparked speculation among fans, with many linking the references to actor Jake Gyllenhaal. The younger version of Swift in the film is portrayed by Sadie Sink, known for her role in 'Stranger Things' and set to appear in Darren Aronofsky's 'The Whale.'
