Jeff's evil nemesis

"Owned" is a terrific student animated short. Unfortunately, we can't show you "Owned" yet, because there are some arcane rules that prevent shorts that are up for certain awards from being shown online. So, the above video with the creators of "Owned," which includes clips of the short, will have to do (for now).

I know, it's utterly ridiculous, but that's how it is.

"Owned" is about Jeff, a cocky and somewhat reclusive videogame champion who is taken down a notch by an anonymous baby online opponent and then comes to realize the possibilities of life.

"Owned" is directed by two Brigham Young University Center for Animation students. It has garnered a lot of positive buzz and, more importantly, is up for a Student Academy Award. Seeing as how it already has won a College Television Award aka "Student Emmy," it is a favorite going into the 41st Student Academy Awards.

The Student Academy Awards are just that - Academy Awards from the same outfit that hands Jennifer Lawrence (who actually makes an appearance of sorts in "Owned") a statue every year. Student Academy Awards are just about as important an honor to receive, too, when you consider that folks like John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Shane Acker ("9") and Trey Parker ("South Park") have won. Other student winners include Spike Lee, Bob Saget and Robert Zemeckis. Anyone who knows film knows those names. This award is a huge stepping stone for future industry titans.

If "Owned" wins (and maybe even if it doesn't), you may someday be adding the names of its directors, Daniel Clark and Wesley Tippetts, to that list of Hollywood legends without blinking an eye. Oh, and Carson Crawford, the animator, too.

How can you dislike an animation that seeks to introduce a whole new word - "NARP" (Non-Athletic Regular Person) - to the language.

The 41st Student Academy Awards ceremony will be held on June 7, 2014.

2020