The 2017 Oscar Nominated Short Films was an artful collection of animated shorts that displayed the best and most creative expressions in the field of animation. Within this diverse compendium, you'll find a colorful prism of styles, themes, and storytelling techniques that harmoniously converge to celebrate the extraordinary talent of the featured artists including Caroline Dhavernas and Greg Dykstra.

Certainly, each short film in this collection laid claim to its own unique aesthetic and narrative environment. Some were poignant, visually gripping dramas that pushed the boundaries of animated storytelling, while others presented a lighthearted, whimsical take on everyday life. Regardless, all of them were brought to life through the astonishing brilliance of their animation, the depth of their characters, and their engaging storylines.

Starting with the involvement of the accomplished actors Caroline Dhavernas and Greg Dykstra, the animated shorts were teeming with exceptional performances. Dhavernas lent her unique edge and depth to the characters, helping to create a lush, evocative world in the process. Skilled at conveying a wide range of emotions through her performances, she epitomized the spectrum of imaginative nuances with her voice acting.

On the other hand, Dykstra's involvement was an artistic boon. His prowess shone splendidly in the execution of the performances, his keen artistic eye bringing an extra layer of depth to the visual charm. Considering his background in visual effect - working as a modeler and character designer for Pixar, Dykstra was able to add more dimensions to the films through his character work and simulation.

The animation in these shorts displayed a remarkable range of artistic styles, from the classically hand-drawn to the strikingly innovative use of CGI. Some used sparse, minimalist aesthetics, illustrating heartbreaking dramas with poetic simplicity. While others flexed muscles in stunningly rendered fantasy worlds of vibrant hues and intricate textures touted by the liveliness of 3D animation.

The Oscar-nominated collection was not all visual spectacle; it also packed in emotional depth. The narratives explored in the shorts ranged from simple, beautifully observed slices of life to profound, affecting dramas. They portrayed universal themes such as love, loss, identity, and the exploration of one's place in the world, presented through storylines that were both engaging and thought-provoking.

These films also catered to all age groups. There were the simple, beautifully narrated stories suitable for children and the thought-provoking, complex ones targeted at adults. The captivating quality of the storytelling made these films enjoyable to audiences of different age groups.

The shorts featured in the Oscar Nominated Shorts Films - Animation 2017 employed an amalgamation of storytelling techniques. By expertly combining traditional techniques with the possibilities of new technology, they evoked a sense of discovery and wonder for the audience. Some shorts leaned more towards a narrative-heavy approach, while others used the power of visuals and subtle cues to tell their stories.

What unified these films? Each of these shorts in their unique way showcased the power and potential of animation as a medium of storytelling. They serve as a testament, proving that animation is not just a genre meant for children, but a legit and versatile medium that can encompass the entirety of human experience and emotion.

The collection of these animated shorts are an absolute must-watch, not just for animation aficionados, but for anyone with an appreciation for art and storytelling. These films make for a wholly immersive viewing experience, stimulating both the heart and mind, offering not only visual splendor but also a wealth of layered, dimensional storytelling.

In conclusion, the 2017 Oscar Nominated Shorts Films- Animation offers a global, holistic look at the animation sector, showcasing the best of mini-masterpieces from veterans and emerging artists, and the incredible talent of actors like Caroline Dhavernas and Greg Dykstra. It validates the concept that animated shorts are truly a distinct art form capable of bringing stories to life in ways no other medium can.