The shortlist for Best Documentary Feature for the 2015 Academy Awards has been revealed, pulverizing the field of contenders to just 15. There were some surprises, and some obvious picks. Interestingly, the documentary on Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai has also secured a position in the list.
The snubbed documentaries include: Racing Extinction, (T)error, The Wolfpack, and many more. Surprisingly, Going Clear: Scientology And The Prison Of Belief managed to get to this stage, despite obvious opposition from many in the industry. We could see Alex Gibney’s powerful documentary now continue on a path towards being the frontrunner here. There’s plenty of competition, but it’s one of the most-watched documentaries in the group, and that’s always a plus here. Publicity (and/or box office returns) never hurt in the race for Best Documentary Feature that’s for sure, even if it’s not a make or break thing. There’s still a lot to be decided.
The main contenders for the nomination right now include: Amy, Cartel Land, Going Clear: Scientology And The Prison Of Belief, He Named Me Malala, Heart of a Dog, The Hunting Ground, The Look of Silence, Meru, Where to Invade Next, and Winter On Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom.