The film competed at the 1997 Annecy International Animated Film Festival . On 27 May 1998 it was released theatrically in France through Les Grands Films Classiques . It was screened together with the animated short film '' Bob 's Birthday '' , directed by Alison Snowden and David Fine . Bernard Génin reviewed '' The Old Lady and the Pigeons '' for '' Télérama '' and called Chomet 's directing " brilliant " . He also complimented Crécy 's background art , and wrote : " Paris streets , cozy interiors , characters ' puffy faces &ndash; each shot is a beauty ! Yes , the traditional , handmade cartoon can still surprise us . " The film won the Grand Prix for best short film at the Annecy Festival . It went on to win the British BAFTA Award and Canadian Genie Award for Best Animated Short . It was nominated for best animated short at France 's 1998 César Awards , and the United States ' Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film at the 70th Academy Awards
70th Academy Awards
70th Academy Awards
The Old Lady and the Pigeons