Hub Quick Hits: S.C. filmmaker shortlisted for Academy Award

Oscar Shortlists in 12 categories revealed

Luke Hodges

When does one cease to be an emerging artist and pick of the mantel of “artist?” We posit that contributing to a film garnering Academy Award consideration, among other things, does the trick.

Luke Hodges, a member of the inaugural class of SCAC Emerging Artists, keeps in touch, and notified the SCAC that Cashing Out, on which Hodges is listed as a producer, is on the list of 15 finalists for Best Documentary Short Film.

“This means we’re going to do a bit more campaigning over the next few weeks before the Academy does nominations voting on January 12. The nominees will be announced on Jan. 22, so keep your eyes peeled. Please share the news with your friends, fam, and colleagues, and if you haven’t seen the film yet, here’s a link,” Hodges said.

View a full list of 2026 shortlisted works in 12 categories here.

Cashing Out was produced in conjunction with The New Yorker and “explores the moral complexities of buying the life-insurance policies of HIV-positive gay men” according to its YouTube synopsis. The film is roughly 40 minutes.