The animated short film Late Afternoon has been shortlisted for an Academy Award, with Irish director Vincent Lambe's short film Detainment also shortlisted.

The films are now one of ten in their shortlisted categories and will go on to contest for an Oscar nomination.

The final Oscar nominations will be announced on January 22.

Late Afternoon was made by Kilkenny-based animation studio Cartoon Saloon and written and directed by Louise Bagnell.

Holy smokes! We've been shortlisted for the #Oscars 😲😄 https://t.co/Ta7DQtnwNx — Late Afternoon Film (@LateAfternoonCS) December 17, 2018

On hearing the news, Bagnell said: "We are surprised and delighted to be on the shortlist for the Oscars!

"The film was a real passion project, made possible through the Frameworks scheme funded by Screen Ireland and RTÉ.

"During production we had the help and support from many people so its great news to share with the whole team - an early Christmas present!"

The short film examines dementia as it follows Emily, an elderly woman who drifts back through her memories to relive different moments from her past.

Cartoon Saloon is best known for its the animated features The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea and last year's acclaimed The Breadwinner, which tells story of Parvana, an 11-year-old girl living under the Taliban regime who cuts her hair and disguises herself as a boy so that she can provide for her family as her father is in prison.

The Irish director Vincent Lambe was also shortlisted for an Oscar for his short film Detainment.

Lambe took to social media to share his delight at the film being shortlisted alongside nine other shorts.

"Well, I can hardly believe I'm saying this, but DETAINMENT has just been short-listed for the OSCARS!" Lambe posted.

"At 11PM last night (around 3PM LA time), the Academy Awards announced a short-list of 10 films and 'Detainment' is one of them!I'm lost for words!"

The 91st Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2019.

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