Previewing the Academy's Documentary Feature Shortlist

Update: The list is out.  Go here for the 15 films that made Oscar's cut and for our reactions.

Rumor has it that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is due to announce its Documentary Feature shortly (perhaps as early as later today).  Given that, there've been a bunch of conversations of late as to what may be on the list of (traditionally) 15 films that will campaign for the next 2 months in hopes of a golden ticket to the Kodak Theatre.

When I was asked this weekend, I suggested that I thought FOOD, INC. was the current frontrunner for the Oscar.  It seems to have the right combination of box office success, good production values and has a political theme that has not been over-recognized previously.

It's also the only film to have scored nominations in the top category at the Cinema Eye Honors, the Gothams and the IDA Documentary Awards.

Others suggested that THE COVE - which led nominees at Cinema Eye but was relegated to the Pare Lorentz Award at the IDAs - was the top pick for Oscar if it were to receive a nomination.

It would be a shock if either film failed to make the Academy's shortlist.

Other favorites in the hunt - BURMA VJ, THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE and THE BEACHES OF AGNES.

In a conversation last month with Anne Thompson, I noted MUGABE AND THE WHITE AFRICAN and THE WAY WE GET BY as sleepers to watch for the shortlist.  Since then, both were nominated for Cinema Eye Honors and MUGABE led the IDA Documentary nods with three nominations.

I will be interested to see whether the Academy shortlists Ondi Timoner's much talked about WE LIVE IN PUBLIC and whether vet Joe Berlinger finally gets some Academy love for CRUDE.  Also curious to see how many of this year's successful pop culture films (SEPTEMBER, VALENTINO, EVERY LITTLE STEP, ANVIL!, GOOD HAIR, IT MIGHT GET LOUD) are able to make the shortlist (usually its 2-3 maximum).

There's a lot of talk of a nomination for James Toback's TYSON, but its not often that docu branch folks tip their hat to narrative filmmakers who come over to make the occasional nonfiction piece.

And what of Michael Moore?  Would it really be a surprise to see him left off the shortlist?  Or to see him nominated?

Other names that wouldn't surprise: DEFAMATION, BIG RIVER MAN, UNMISTAKEN CHILD, THOSE WHO REMAIN, ROUGH AUNTIES, OF TIME IN THE CITY, SERGIO, RACING DREAMS, OUTRAGE and NO IMPACT MAN, amongst others.

Stay tuned...

Comments

[Dan]

I hope OF TIME AND THE CITY makes it. Davies deserves some red carpet love.

[thé]

Hello
This is good to know about previewing the academy's documentary feature short list.I have checked that link which you have given about those 15 films.Thank you..