“...such an original piece of work … charming, emotional, always very funny… As a critic what do I want most? To see things I haven’t seen before and BABE is my answer.” - Gene Siskel, Siskel & Ebert
The tale of a shy, orphaned Yorkshire piglet made Siskel’s top five of 1995. After being awarded as a prize in a county fair contest, Babe lands at Hoggett Farm amid a delightful group of new barnyard friends in this fun-filled kids’ flick. Babe dodges the slaughterhouse by learning the art of sheep herding from his adopted mother, border collie Fly. Bewildered farmer Hoggett (James Cromwell) allows this eccentric apprenticeship and is rewarded when Babe wins high marks at sheepdog trials using only his best manners. With an offbeat sense of humor and award-winning animatronics, BABE endures as a family-friendly classic enjoyed by all ages.
Awards & Nominations
1996 Academy Awards - Winner, Best Visual Effects
1996 Academy Awards - Nominations, Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Film Editing
Gene's Favorites
To wrap up our 25 Years on State Street celebration, we are pleased to present five films championed by our namesake, Chicago film critic, Gene Siskel. November 28–December 29, 2026.
25 For 25
To celebrate 25 years on State Street, the 25 For 25 series revisits standout titles from our State Street history, spotlighting films that have lit up our screens since 2001 and reflecting on the Siskel Film Center’s programming legacy. Each selection connects to a past Siskel program, highlighting the Siskel Film Center’s long-standing commitment to diverse and innovative curation.
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu