Ptacek was given a three-year contract as Dora in '' Dora the Explorer '' , in November 2010 , with the first new TV episodes with her voice in January 2012 . She replaces previous voices Kathleen Herles and Caitlin Sanchez . She notes she was a fan of the character before being cast , amongst 200 girls auditioning . The role earned her a " Best Young Actress - Television " at the 2012 Ptacek starred in the Shawn Christensen short film '' Curfew '' ( 2012 ) as well as its feature film version '' Before I Disappear '' ( 2014 ) , about a depressed man asked to take care of his niece . Christensen had auditioned a handful of actresses for the role , but saw Ptacek on a morning show appearance . He admits that he hoped she would nail the audition , and describes her as " phenomenal " . Receiving extensive critical acclaim , Ptacek 's performance was deemed " a breakthrough " , " memorable " , " charming " , an " eerie , mature confidence for someone so young " , and " delightfully annoying " . The film was nominated for " Best Live Action Short Film " at the 85th Academy Awards , the first time the category was open to all members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voting . The film won , with Ptacek in attendance . She attended the Vanity Fair Oscar party with Christensen . Ptacek has personally won Best Young Actress at the 2012 Sapporo Short Fest ( the film screening there the year after with an appearance by Ptacek ) , A feature film of the story has been announced , with Ptacek announced to return . Best Actress at the 2013 Rincon International Film Festival , and Best Actress at the 2013 Vaughan Film Festival
85th Academy Awards
85th Academy Awards
Fátima Ptacek