The film was nominated for an Oscar at the 74th Academy Awards for Best Documentary Short Subject . Also nominated were '' Sing ! '' and '' Thoth '' , with the latter winning the award in February 2002 . On March 18 , 2001 , the film was one of two runners up for Best Documentary at the Valleyfest Film Festival in Knoxville , Tennessee . In March 2002 , the press reported that Rosie O'Donnell was seeking to remove her narration from the production after accusations of discrimination , which the filmmakers dismissed as " inflammatory " and " without foundation . " On April 22 , 2002 , the film screened on WE tv as part of an evening of programming meant to raise awareness for children . It was screened in the Czech Republic on April 23 , 2002 at the Olomouc Animation Film Festival , and was also included in documentaries for sale at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam . At the Crested Butte Reel Fest in central Colorado , the film won the Illumination Award for the film , and '' Artists and Orphans '' also tied for second place for audience choice award
74th Academy Awards
74th Academy Awards
Artists and Orphans: A True Drama