Film reviews: Taking a look at the joyous BAFTA nominated short Mog’s Christmas
Christmas is long in the rear-view mirror but the BAFTAs are just around the corner.
On Sunday, February 16, Britain will celebrate the world of film with the 2025 BAFTA Awards ceremony.
Film News Blitz’s Joe Matthews takes a look at Mog’s Christmas, a nominee for British Short Animation.
What is Mog’s Christmas?
Mog’s Christmas takes a look at Christmas through the feline eyes of Mog the cat, who lives with the Thomas family, as they host over the festive period, as per Judith Kerr’s famous children’s book.
Kerr also authored the infamous The Tiger Who Came to Tea, and in homage to that story, the characters from it can be seen in a cafe during the short.
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It may be just 23 minutes long, but Mog’s Christmas still boasts the acting talents of Adjoa Andoh, who narrates throughout, and Benedict Cumberbatch, who might just be the only dad to not fall in love with the family cat.
Claire Foy, Miriam Margolyes and Zawe Ashton are included in a stellar cast.
The short even features a song called ‘As Long As I Belong’, made by a trio of British musical talent; Sophie Ellis-Bextor, David Arnold and Don Black.
Mog’s Christmas’ road to the BAFTAs
Mog’s Christmas was initially made in time for 2023 festive holidays and therefore fell outside the eligibility for the 2024 BAFTA Awards, when Crab Day took home the award.
Anita Singh of The Telegraph, said: "Channel 4's starry adaptation of Judith Kerr's timeless children's story will join the pantheon of wonderful, family-friendly festive TV."
Kieran Freemantle, of Pop Culture Maniacs also praised the short’s likeness to the realities of being a cat owner, saying: “Mog’s Christmas was a cute short.
“There were lots of silly cat antics that cat owners can relate to like Mog slipping off the greenhouse roof, trying to eat the turkey stuffing, sleeping outside on a bin, and getting stuck on the roof,” he added.
What films is Mog’s Christmas competing with at the BAFTAs?
In 2025, the classic Judith Kerr adaptation is up against tough opposition for Best British Short Animation at the BAFTAs.
Firstly, there’s Nina Gantz’s Wander to Wonder, which centres around Mary, Billybud and Fumbleton, who, in an attempt to come to terms with the death of their TV show’s creator, continue making bizarre episodes of children’s television.
Lastly and what is arguably the favourite to win, is Jose Prats’ Adios; an emotional story of a father reconciling with loneliness after his adult son decides to move abroad.
Ultimately, the nominees for Best British Short Animation are stacked full of quality, and whoever ends up winning the award, Mog’s Christmas or otherwise, will be a worthy victor.
Mog’s Christmas is available to stream via Channel 4.
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