Walmart Got Dee Rees, Melissa McCarthy and Nancy Meyers to Direct Short Films for the Oscars

Walmart asked directors Dee Rees, Nancy Meyers and Melissa McCarthy to each make 60-second short films inspired by one of the big-box retailer’s delivery boxes. The three ads aired tonight during the 90th Academy Awards ceremony on ABC.

This is the second year Walmart has worked with directors to create short films to air during the Oscars. Last year, the company collaborated with Antoine Fuqua, Marc Forster and Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. The short film concept was developed by Saatchi & Saatchi in New York; Haworth Marketing + Media is behind the media buying and planning.

“When we first conceived of this short film program last year, the top priority was to collaborate with filmmakers with their own distinct visions and points of view,” said Tony Rogers, svp and chief marketing officer of Walmart U.S., in a statement. “We are thrilled to be back at the Oscars with the help of these incredibly talented creators.”

Mudbound director Rees, who was nominated for an Oscar for best adapted screenplay, worked with several of her Mudbound collaborators, like Mary J. Blige (nominated for best supporting actress and best song) and Rachel Morrison (nominated for best cinematography) for her short film.

Nancy Meyers, known for helming films like Something’s Gotta Give, It’s Complicated and The Holiday, created a short featuring composer Hans Zimmerman and P.J. Byrne.

Actress Melissa McCarthy, who directed four episodes of her sitcom Mike and Molly, was behind the camera for the third short, starring Tony Award-nominated actress Keala Settle.

Kristina Monllos

@KristinaMonllos

Kristina Monllos is a senior editor for Adweek.