Share and Follow
In the poignant Oscar-nominated short film “All the Empty Rooms,” the heartbreaking aftermath of school shootings and the families left to endure the loss are brought into focus. This timely piece explores a grim reality that continues to impact communities across the nation.
School shootings remain a pressing issue, with Everytown for Gun Safety reporting 163 instances of gun-related incidents on school grounds last year, resulting in 54 tragic deaths. This underscores the urgent relevance of the film’s subject matter.
Through the lens of CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman, “All the Empty Rooms” invites viewers into the silent spaces left behind—the bedrooms of children who lost their lives in these tragic events.
In a recent discussion, Hartman and the film’s director, Oscar-nominee Joshua Seftel, shared insights into the making of the film and its emotional impact.
During the conversation, the following exchange highlighted the families’ varied approaches to preserving memories:
Gracie, 15, was one of two students killed in 2019 when another student opened fire at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, California. Three other students were injured.
Hartman went on to say, “This is the most important story that I’ve ever done. But I feel like it has the greatest chance to change the world. I don’t necessarily think that’s gonna happen. It just has a better chance of changing the world than anything I’ve ever done before.”
Watch the 2026 Oscars live on ABC and Hulu this Sunday.
Live red carpet coverage starts at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT with “On The Red Carpet at the Oscars.”Catch all the action on the red carpet live on ABC, or stream on Hulu and OnTheRedCarpet.com.The 98th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. and will be followed by “The Bachelorette: Before the First Rose.”
Disney is the parent company of this station.
Copyright © 2026 OnTheRedCarpet.com. All Rights Reserved.