Rooney stars in short film Oscar hopeful

HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Hollywood screen icon Mickey Rooney is the star of "The Yesterday Pool," a short film entered in the upcoming Oscar race.

The 86-year old actor plays a mystical guardian in the movie, which co-stars Rooney's wife, Jan, and was written and directed by G. Tyler Clancy, WhoKnew Entertainment Group, Inc., has announced.

Rooney also is set to appear in Clancy's upcoming "The Graveyard Light."

"Pool" and "Light" are two in a series of short films produced specifically for Academy Awards' submission.

If "Pool" is nominated for an Academy Award and goes on to win Oscar gold, it would mark the first time a short film helmed by an African-American director won the prize, WhoKnew said.

Oscar nominations will be announced Jan. 22, while the awards are set to be handed out Feb. 24.

During his years on the big screen, Rooney has starred in dozens of movies, including the Andy Hardy series, "National Velvet," "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "Night at the Museum."