The Academy Has Reveales the Best Documentary Feature Contenders Shortlist for the 2026 Oscars

The Academy Awards has revealed the fifteen films in contention for the Documentary Feature prize. These films, chosen from a field of 201 submissions, represent a wide range of stories from around the world, including personal portraits and investigations of major world events. Academy members who specialize in documentaries will now vote to select the final five official nominees.

‘The Alabama Solution’ (2025)

This powerful documentary looks at the impact of a controversial Alabama court ruling on IVF treatments. It follows the stories of families, doctors, and lawmakers as they deal with the confusion and emotional fallout across the state. Through personal accounts, the film explores how beliefs about religion, the law, and personal freedom collide in America today. It shows how a local court decision can have a far-reaching effect on healthcare access nationwide.

‘Apocalypse in the Tropics’ (2024)

Petra Costa’s film explores how the evangelical movement has gained significant power in Brazilian politics. It looks at the close connection between religious leaders and politicians, especially during Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency, and argues that Brazil is increasingly heading towards a government based on religious law, fueled by fears of the end times. Featuring exclusive interviews with important figures, the documentary warns about the dangers of losing democratic principles.

‘Coexistence, My Ass!’ (2025)

Shot during a time of increasing conflict in the Middle East, this documentary questions common ideas about how to build peace. The filmmaker uses a realistic, documentary style to show how tired and distrustful people are after years of fighting. Instead of offering easy hope, the film features honest conversations with locals who are skeptical of outside groups trying to impose their ideals. It’s a stark and sometimes difficult look at life for people where political promises don’t always match the struggles they face every day.

‘Come See Me in the Good Light’ (2025)

This intimate documentary feels like a personal recollection, examining how memories and a sense of self can break down as an elderly woman faces the challenges of fading memory. The filmmaker weaves together old family videos with current footage to create a picture of a life spanning different times. As the woman’s dementia progresses, the film asks us to consider how we remember those we love and the ways we try to hold onto their stories. It’s a thoughtful exploration of what we leave behind, the pain of loss, and how our perspective shapes what we see and remember.

‘Cover-Up’ (2025)

This compelling film investigates a major scandal: a large company illegally dumping toxic waste in small towns. It follows a dedicated group of journalists and insiders who bravely risk everything to reveal the truth. Using leaked files and secret recordings, the story unfolds like a suspenseful spy thriller, ultimately showing how crucial a free press is for keeping powerful organizations in check.

‘Cutting through Rocks’ (2025)

This film tells the story of workers building roads in a harsh, mountainous region. It shows the dangerous conditions they face and highlights the contrast between the vast landscape and the vulnerability of the people working on it. Beyond a tale of physical strength, the film explores the economic hardships that drive this unseen labor, which ultimately connects us all. The story centers on the strong bonds and determination of the road crew as they battle both the forces of nature and frustrating official neglect.

‘Folktales’ (2025)

This documentary explores disappearing cultures by capturing the stories and traditions of their elders. Using a mix of animation and interviews, the filmmakers vividly retell ancient legends and show how these tales have defined the communities’ sense of self. The film powerfully argues that losing languages and myths is as devastating as losing the natural world. Ultimately, it’s a vital record, preserving the knowledge and spirit of a generation on the brink of disappearing, for those who come after them.

‘Holding Liat’ (2025)

This film powerfully portrays the emotional aftermath of the October 7th attacks through the story of a family anxiously awaiting the return of their hostage, Liat. Confined to the family home, the film intimately captures the agonizing wait and the psychological strain of not knowing what will happen. Rather than showing the violence of the conflict, it focuses on the deeply personal and human consequences of war, offering a moving exploration of grief, hope, and the strength of family bonds in the face of unimaginable stress.

‘Mistress Dispeller’ (2024)

Elizabeth Lo’s documentary takes a compelling look at a unique profession in China: ‘mistress dispelling.’ The film follows a woman who is hired by wives to secretly end their husbands’ affairs, avoiding public embarrassment. Through this unusual job, the documentary reveals a lot about Chinese society’s views on marriage, loyalty, and social class. It offers a thoughtful and unbiased perspective on the difficult emotional work involved in keeping up appearances and protecting a family’s reputation.

‘Mr. Nobody against Putin’ (2025)

This documentary explores the Russian opposition after the death of Alexei Navalny, focusing on a relatively unknown activist who takes on the challenge of resisting the Kremlin from outside of Russia. It shows how they use clever online tactics to get around censorship and connect with people inside the country. The film is a gripping story of bravery against a government that actively silences anyone who speaks out against it.

‘My Undesirable Friends: Part I – Last Air in Moscow’ (2025)

This film is the first of two parts, documenting the story of independent journalists leaving Russia. It shows the chaotic final days of a Moscow newsroom as the government increasingly restricts freedom of speech. The film captures the difficult choices these journalists faced – leaving their homes, families, and jobs to continue reporting honestly. It’s a vital record of the decline of a free press and the start of a new life in exile.

‘The Perfect Neighbor’ (2025)

This documentary tells a disturbing story of a neighborhood watch group that spirals out of control. Told like a true-crime investigation, the film shows how good intentions turn into suspicion, false claims, and online bullying. Using actual texts, security camera footage, and police records, it pieces together how one man’s life was ruined. It’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of losing privacy and the power of groupthink in today’s digital world.

‘Seeds’ (2025)

This documentary explores how native farmers are working to regain control over their food systems and land. It follows their efforts to grow traditional, climate-resistant crops on their ancestral lands, offering a contrast to the harmful practices of large-scale industrial agriculture nearby. The film is a positive story about overcoming challenges and shows how traditional farming knowledge can help solve today’s environmental problems.

‘2000 Meters to Andriivka’ (2025)

This powerful documentary puts viewers right in the middle of the fighting in Ukraine, following soldiers as they battle towards the village of Andriivka. Using cameras worn by the soldiers and aerial drone footage, the film shows the raw and frightening experience of life in the trenches. It avoids taking sides or offering opinions, instead focusing on the daily struggle for survival of one group of soldiers. The result is a deeply immersive and honest look at the brutal physical and emotional effects of war.

‘Yanuni’ (2025)

The Yanuni people, who live deep within the Amazon rainforest, are struggling with the growing presence of illegal miners and loggers. This documentary offers a glimpse into their everyday lives and spiritual traditions, presented without any narration. Instead, the film relies heavily on sound to draw viewers into the rainforest environment – a world increasingly disrupted by the noise of machinery. It’s a beautiful and powerful call to protect the Yanuni and other isolated tribes.

Share your predictions for which of these documentaries will make the final five in the comments.

2025-12-17 20:46