Did animated short film Melbourne man worked on win an Oscar? Find out the winner.

Michelle Spitzer, Florida Today
·2 min read
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

The 96th  Annual Academy Awards show aired Sunday night and plenty of Space Coast residents were watching with invested interest.

Melbourne resident Michael Grover worked on the animated short film “Ninety-Five Senses,” which was nominated for an Oscar. Grover was one of several animators who illustrated the 13-minute film created by Jerusha Hess and Jared Hess of "Napoleon Dynamite" and "Nacho Libre" fame.

Did “Ninety-Five Senses” win best animated short film at the 96th Annual Academy Awards?

The film "Ninety-Five Senses," which Melbourne resident Michael Grover worked on was nominated for an Oscar ath the 96th Annual Academy Awards.
The film "Ninety-Five Senses," which Melbourne resident Michael Grover worked on was nominated for an Oscar ath the 96th Annual Academy Awards.

The Oscar for best animated short film was one of the first awards announced Sunday evening at the 96th Annual Academy Awards.

“War is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko” took home the golden statue.

Others in the category were “Letter to a Pig,” “Our Uniform” and “Pachyderme.”

What is the Oscar-nominated animated short film "Ninety-Five Senses" about?

Michael Grover of Viera is pictured with West Shore Jr/Sr High School instructors Mark Schledorn and James Finch II Friday, January 26, 2024. Grover was part of a team of artists who worked on the Oscar-nominated film Ninety-Five Senses and credits the instructors with helping to inspire him. Ninety-five Senses was produced by Jerusha and Jared Hess. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

"Ninety-Five Senses," was inspired by interview footage of a Texas death-row inmate awaiting execution. Grover, a West Shore Jr./Sr. High grad, and other animators were tasked with capturing feelings of regret and redemption through the five senses.

Grover had about one minute of time to work his magic through the sense of hearing.

“The directors gave us a long leash, and I was able to come up with my own design and visual,” Grover said. “The concept of having each animator doing things in their own style is a creative risk. It all came together really nicely. The script is great, really empathetic and human.”

What's next for Grover now that the Oscars are over?

The film Grover, a married father of four, worked on may not have won the Oscar, but he still has big plans ahead.

He’s been busy working on a graphic novel that will come out next year. "Deeply Dave," published by Henry Holt Books, is geared for children ages 8 to 12 – about the age Grover was when he realized his dream was attainable.

Spitzer is a Trending Reporter. She can be reached at Mspitzer@floridatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Find out if "Ninety-Five Senses" worked on by Melbourne man, won Oscar