Kilkenny-based animation studio Cartoon Saloon has previously been nominated for three Academy Awards for their works, The Secret of Kells, Song Of The Sea and The Breadwinner.

Yesterday, the studio learned their latest masterpiece, short film Late Afternoon has been as a finalist for the 2019 Oscars - in the Best Animated Award category. 

Written and directed by Louise Bagnell, Late Afternoon tells the tale of an old lady with dementia who frequently drifts into her past. 

Next Generation @CartoonSaloon Talent gets an Oscar nomination! Such a lovely surprise for the whole team! #Oscars2019 Well done Director and Producer extraordinaire, Louise Bagnall and Nuria Blanco! @elbooga @LateAfternoonCS https://t.co/TjYPJbZxTf

— P A U L Y O U N G (@PaulYoung99) January 22, 2019

Described as, "a lovely kind of poetic story with a twist at the end", by Cartoon Saloon co-founder Paul Young, their trademark illustrative approach has once again risen to the top.

Watch the trailer:

Speaking on Today FM's Dermot and Dave, Paul reveals how shocked he and the team were at the nomination, "this one was really, truly a surprise because the odds were against us".

The studio's CEO is also very excited by the fresh wave of people involved, "also with a new director and a new producer, which is really great for us because this is the next generation of talent in the Saloon". So lots more accolades and awards to look forward to fingers crossed.

Young also tells us why he feels their company is so well revered worldwide, has a look back on the house party he went to in Elton John's pad last year and has a laugh about the real reason his daughter wanted him to go to the Oscars again this year. 

The Oscars 2019 will be hosted in the Dolby Theatre in Hollyood, LA on February 24th (25th GMT) and let's hope Cartoon Saloon's nine-and-a-half-minute piece of magic can bring that golden statuette home. 

Check out the chat in full by pressing the play button in the image at the top of the page.