Walberswick: Short film wins artist Charlie Mackesy Oscar

At the 95th Academy Awards, Mr Mackesy, who lives in a converted barn in Walberswick, collected an Oscar for best animated short film.

His award-winning book, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse was adapted into a short film at Christmas, starring Idris Elba and Tom Hollander.

In the Oscar winners room, Mr Mackesy said: "Awards are incredible and I'm speechless to be truthful, but a greater award has been the response from people about the book and the film."

A still from the short film that came out at Christmas and won an Oscar. Credit: PA Wire (Image: PA Wire)

Mr Mackesy collected the award alongside producer Matthew Freud, who has Suffolk links, being the son of Sir Clement Freud, who lived in Walberswick, and his mum, Jill, who ran the Southwold Summer Theatre.

His sister Emma is married to director and writer Richard Curtis.

Mr Freud said: "We have never made a film before so this is bewildering beyond. I know the protocol is to say thank you a lot but I am British so I am more comfortable saying sorry."

A year ago, a church group from Framlingham, Sing Praise, hosted the world premiere production of the show.

Reverend Chris Davey. Credit: Rev. Chris Davey (Image: Reverend Chris Davey)

Reverend Chris Davey, of St Michael's Church, said: "I was delighted to hear that Charlie Mackesy had won an Oscar.

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse is a beautiful book full of profound wisdom which speaks to all ages.

"We were thrilled and priveleged to be able to base our children's Sing Praise musical on the book last year and the themes of hope, kindness and the power of friendship spoke deeply to the children especially coming out of lockdown.

"The animated film was beautiful, and congratulations on the Oscar Charlie."