Hair Love

On a morning when dad steps in to handle his daughter Zuri's hair for a big event, a routine grooming task turns into a playful, heartfelt scramble. Detangling, twisting, and pinning become a test of patience as Zuri's curls resist in their own funny ways. The dad settles in, trying to read his daughter's cues, asking questions and learning as he goes. What seems simple soon reveals how much a moment like this means to a child who sees her hair as part of who she is. The animated world stays bright and expressive, blending humor with warmth while celebrating family, trust, and the idea that love can make a hair day into a celebration.

Directed by Everett Downing Jr., Matthew A. Cherry and Bruce W Smith, Hair Love is a 2019 animated short inspired by Cherry's experiences and built from a tight team. It blends simple storytelling with a warm look at family life.

It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film at the 92nd Oscars, marking a milestone for Black storytelling in animation and giving short films a broader platform. The win drew attention to the craft behind concise cinema and celebrated a father and daughter moment that resonated widely globally.

Cultural impact runs deeper than its festival run, as the film sparked conversations about natural hair representation and involved dads in caregiving conversations. Its approachable visuals and Issa Rae's voice helped normalize pride in identity and everyday caregiving within Black communities. Parents shared teaching stories and kids saw themselves reflected.

Critics praised Hair Love for its concise storytelling, warmth, and clear themes of love resilience and family bonds. The short treats a culturally specific moment with universal emotion, inviting viewers to see care as empowerment and to recognize the value of everyday acts that affirm identity and belonging.