Colm Feore Voices Multiple Characters in Oscar-Nominated Short

Award-winning actor Colm Feore has lent his voice to multiple characters in the short film The Girl Who Cried Pearls, which has received an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Short Film. The project, created by Montreal-based animators Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, tells the poignant story of a poor boy who falls in love with a girl whose tears turn into pearls.

Feore recorded his lines at Fred Smith‘s studio in Kitchener, Ontario. He described the recording session as memorable, recalling that he played nearly every character except for a young girl, whose voice required an authentic youthful tone. “I play almost everyone,” Feore explained in an interview. He was eager to collaborate with Smith, agreeing to voice the 17-minute short if he could do so at the studio renowned for various voiceover projects.

Smith, who has worked with Feore on numerous occasions, praised the actor’s dedication and preparation. “Colm always comes in super prepared. It’s almost like he’s already had the script memorized. That’s how good he is,” he remarked. The recording session itself was brief, lasting only a couple of hours, filled with camaraderie and laughter.

The film’s Oscar nomination was a delightful surprise for Smith, who received a text from Feore sharing the news. “That’s pretty cool,” Smith said, expressing his joy at being part of such a significant project. He noted, “I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I’m always joyful that I still get to do what I love.”

The film showcases the artistry behind stop-motion animation, a technique requiring meticulous attention to detail. Lavis and Szczerbowski emphasized that Feore was their top choice for the voice roles. “We went after him. He was the number one guy we wanted for the voice,” Lavis stated. The director highlighted Feore’s versatility, noting his ability to navigate diverse roles, including those of Richard III and Laufey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Feore collaborated closely with Lavis and Szczerbowski to ensure his performances aligned with their vision. He described the process as a partnership, where he sought to understand the nuances of each character. “The text was so good, but there were a few nuances that I wanted to know whether to lean into or to back away from,” he explained.

During the recording, Feore infused physicality into his performances, mimicking the mannerisms of the characters. He recalled a moment where he animatedly waved his arms while recording, enhancing the authenticity of his portrayal. “What we’re really trying to convey here is a living, breathing creature who happens to be a stop-motion animated puppet,” he said.

This marks the second Oscar nomination for Lavis and Szczerbowski, with their first being for the 2007 National Film Board short Madame Tutli-Putli. They expressed their pride in representing Canada and the National Film Board at the Academy Awards, which will take place on March 15, 2024.

Feore has indicated that he plans to attend the Screen Actors Guild awards ceremony on March 1, where his series Landman is nominated for performance by an ensemble in a drama. If invited to the Oscars, he will certainly join the celebration for The Girl Who Cried Pearls.

As the film gears up for its moment in the spotlight at the Academy Awards, the collaboration between Feore, Lavis, Szczerbowski, and Smith illustrates the dedication and creativity that characterize Canadian animation and storytelling. The film not only highlights artistic achievement but also reflects the power of collaboration in the world of cinema.