Before we’re allowed to bicker over which movies make the cut of Best Picture nominees, the Academy has released the short list for Best Documentary. The collection is a good one, mixing timely deep dives (13th, Weiner) with intimate portraits (Cameraperson and Life, Animated). What’s missing: No love for Kate Plays Christine, Jim: The James Foley Story, or Tickled. And, for the record, the Academy has spoken: ESPN’s eight-part O.J. Simpson docuseries is officially in contention as a film, not just a very long TV show. These 15 docs will compete for five nominations. Here’s the full list:
Cameraperson
Command and Control
The Eagle Huntress
Fire at Seat
Gleason
Hooligan Sparrow
I Am Not Your Negro
The Ivory Game
Life, Animated
O.J.: Made in America
13th
Tower
Weiner
The Witness
Zero Days