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TU Dublin Visual Communications Graduate John Kelly Nominated for Oscar

Published: Thu 22 Jan 2026 - 16:03

TU Dublin is proud to celebrate Visual Communications graduate John Kelly, who has been nominated for an Oscar for his short animated film, Retirement Plan. Commissioned by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and RTÉ, the film stars Domhnall Gleeson, as Ray, a man joyfully imagining everything he hopes to do in retirement, once he finally has the “time.” Gleeson is also a TU Dublin graduate of Film and Broadcasting.

The film has enjoyed remarkable international success, winning five Oscar-qualifying awards, including both the Grand Jury Award and Audience Award at SXSW 2025, as well as Best of the Festival at Palm Springs ShortFest 2025. Co-written by Kelly and Tara Lawall, the short has been widely praised by critics and cinema-goers alike.

John Kelly’s achievement is a standout example of TU Dublin’s practice-based approach to education, where creativity, academic learning and real-world experience come together to produce graduates ready to excel on the global stage.

Are you interested in a career in Visual Communications? 

Register for TU Dublin School of Art and Design Portfolio Clinic taking place on Monday, 28 January 2026, 14:00-17:00.