Former NFL Wide Receiver Matthew A. Cherry’s Six-Minute Animated Film Makes Oscars’ Shortlist

Chicago native Matthew A. Cherry, a former NFL wide receiver, 2nd act as a filmmaker has him on the brink of an Oscar nomination.  Cherry who played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, and the Baltimore Ravens broke into filmmaking after leaving the NFL.

His latest project Hair Love is an animated short film about an African American father trying to do his daughter’s hair for the first time.  Originally released as an opener for Angry Birds 2 during the summer of 2019 by Sony Pictures Animation, the short film was funded through a Kickstarter campaign,  and now is one of 10 films eligible for the animated short film category in the 92nd Academy Awards category.

As simple as the description of the animated short film may sound, Stephen, his daughter, Zuri, and her hair will discover a secret that many African women and their daughters have shared for centuries.

The nominations for Oscars 2020 will be announced on the morning of January 13th, 2020.  The 92nd Oscars® will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2020, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network.  The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

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NERISA EUGENIA WATERMAN

I’m an author, storyteller, and founder of The Fashion Profiler. My work bridges the worlds of fashion, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle, offering curated content that inspires and empowers. With a passion for capturing life’s essence through words and visuals, I bring a unique perspective to modern living.
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