Syrup (1994)
An Oscar-nominated British short comedy about identity, confidence, and the surprising power of a hairpiece.
Syrup - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1994
- Directed by: Paul Unwin
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 11m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 1, 1994 (France), October 1, 1994 (United States), February 7, 1995 (United Kingdom)
- Production Companies: First Choice, British Screen Finance Ltd, Channel 4 Television, Channel Four Films
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Syrup - Plot
An Oscar nominated short film about a man's life changing when he gets a hairpiece.
Syrup - Trailer
Check out a clip from this Oscar-nominated short comedy below.
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Syrup - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Paul Unwin
Main Cast
- Bill Thomas
- Annette Badland
- Anne Carroll
- Lesley Sharp
- Ralph Ineson
Writers
- Nick Vivian
Producers
- Anita Overland
Syrup - FAQs
What is Syrup (1994) about?
Syrup is a short British comedy about a man whose life takes an unexpected turn after he gets a hairpiece. The film mines the everyday comedy of self-image and social transformation, delivering its story with wit and warmth in just eleven minutes. It earned an Oscar nomination for Best Live Action Short Film.
Was Syrup nominated for an Academy Award?
Yes! Syrup received an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film, a remarkable achievement for an eleven-minute British comedy. The nomination brought significant attention to director Paul Unwin and the film's creative team, cementing its place as a notable entry in British short filmmaking of the 1990s.
Where can you watch Syrup (1994)?
You can find streaming and viewing options for Syrup on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. Given its status as a short film from 1994, availability may vary, so checking JustWatch is the best way to find current options for watching or renting it.
Who directed the short film Syrup?
Syrup was directed by Paul Unwin, a British filmmaker who guided this compact comedy to Oscar-nominated success. The film was produced with support from Channel 4 Television, British Screen Finance Ltd, and Channel Four Films, reflecting the kind of creative short-form work that Channel 4 championed in the early 1990s.
Who stars in Syrup (1994)?
The cast features Bill Thomas as George T. Foreman, Annette Badland as Linda, Lesley Sharp as Ms. James, Anne Carroll as Mrs. Pritchard, and Ralph Ineson as Skinhead. Lesley Sharp and Ralph Ineson both went on to have notable careers in British film and television, making this short an interesting early showcase.
How long is the short film Syrup?
Syrup runs just 11 minutes — a tight, efficient runtime that's typical of the short film format. Despite its brevity, the film packs in enough character, comedy, and transformation to earn an Oscar nomination, which is a testament to how much storytelling can be achieved in a very short space of time.
Where was Syrup (1994) first released?
Syrup had its first release in France on May 1, 1994, followed by a US release on October 1, 1994, and a UK release on February 7, 1995. The French premiere ahead of its home country release suggests it may have screened at a European film festival before wider distribution.
Is Syrup based on a true story?
Syrup is an original work rather than a true story. The screenplay was written by Nick Vivian, and the film's premise — a man whose confidence and life shift dramatically after getting a hairpiece — is a comic fiction. Its charm lies in how it finds universal truths about identity and self-perception in an absurd, everyday situation.
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