Florence Miailhe's Oscar Nomination: A Reflection on Memory and Identity

Florence Miailhe, a French animation director, has received her first Oscar nomination at the age of 70 for her animated short *Papillon* (Butterfly). The film tells the poignant story of Alfred Nakache, a world-record-holding French-Jewish swimmer who faced discrimination and tragedy during World War II. The Oscars ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026.

The Guardian

Alfred Nakache's life is marked by significant historical events, including his participation in the 1936 Berlin Olympics and his subsequent deportation to Auschwitz during the Vichy regime in France. After the war, Nakache returned to France without his wife and daughter, and his story faded into obscurity until recent years, when renewed interest was sparked by the success of swimmer Leon Marchand, who trained at Nakache's former club.

The Guardian

Miailhe employs a distinctive animation technique, hand-painting each frame directly under the camera on sheets of glass. This method allows her to create a rich, textured visual experience that reflects the fluidity and complexity of water, a central theme in *Papillon*. She incorporates various materials, such as oil and soap bubbles, to enhance the sensory experience of the film. Miailhe's approach emphasizes the personal and experimental nature of her work, contrasting with the increasing prevalence of AI in animation.

The Guardian

Miailhe highlights the contemporary relevance of Nakache's experiences, noting a resurgence of discriminatory attitudes in France. She states, “For a while now in France, this idea that we can deprive a group of their nationality, because of them belonging to another community or religion, has come back.” This perspective underscores the importance of Nakache's story as a reminder of the ongoing struggles against discrimination, even for those who achieve greatness in their fields.

The Guardian

In discussing her nomination, Miailhe expressed surprise and gratitude, emphasizing her desire to address human rights issues through her work. She plans to use her acceptance speech to reflect on the motivations behind *Papillon* and its relevance to current societal challenges. Miailhe acknowledges the parallels between Nakache's exclusion from competitive swimming and contemporary calls for boycotting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The Guardian

• “It’s important to speak up about human rights and to try to live correctly.” — Florence Miailhe, Animator

The Guardian

• “Irrespective of whether he was Jewish or not, what interested me was how even being a champion isn’t enough to prevent that discrimination.” — Florence Miailhe, Animator

The Guardian

• “It’s very difficult and stressful,” she says.” — Florence Miailhe, Animator

The Guardian

As the Oscars approach, Miailhe prepares for the ceremony, reflecting on the significance of her work and the broader implications of Nakache's story. The nomination serves not only as recognition of her artistic achievements but also as a platform to advocate for human rights and remembrance in the face of discrimination.

The Guardian