John Lennon's 'War Is Over' Becomes Oscar-Nominated Animated Short

The 1971 John Lennon and Yoko Ono protest song 'Happy Xmas (War Is Over)' has been adapted into an 11-minute animated short film titled 'War is over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko', which is nominated for the upcoming Academy Awards. Directed by former Pixar employee Dave Mullins and produced by Brad Booker, Yoko Ono Lennon, and Sean Ono Lennon, with music by Thomas Newman, the film is a co-production of Lenono Music, Electro League, WetaFX, and Epic Games. Set in an alternate reality during World War I, the story follows two soldiers on opposing sides—Winston of the Brown Army and Abel of the enemy army—who play a chess match using a carrier pigeon named Icarus. The film draws visual inspiration from artists Norman Rockwell and early 20th-century illustrator JC Leyendecker, as well as propaganda posters from the era. Sean Ono Lennon expressed sadness that his parents' message of peace remains relevant today. The short closes with Lennon and Ono's song over the credits, while the score is composed by 15-time Oscar nominee Thomas Newman (The Shawshank Redemption, WALL-E, Skyfall).