Which Netflix documentaries made the Oscar documentary feature shortlist?

Netflix has three films on the Oscar documentary feature shortlist: 'The Perfect Neighbor,' 'Cover-Up,' and 'Apocalypse in the Tropics.'

Why were celebrity documentaries snubbed by the Oscar documentary shortlist?

The Academy's documentary branch appeared to avoid films with a strong celebrity focus, leading to snubs for documentaries about figures like Jayne Mansfield and Liza Minnelli.

What global issues are highlighted in the Oscar documentary feature shortlist?

The shortlist includes films addressing the crackdown on dissent in Russia and the conflict in Israel and Gaza, reflecting a focus on current geopolitical events.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Oscar Doc Race Heats Up: Snubs & Surprises Emerge

Oscar Doc Race Heats Up: Snubs & Surprises Emerge

16 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Netflix lands three films on the Oscar documentary feature shortlist.
Several celebrity-focused documentaries were notably absent from the shortlist.
Films about journalists in Russia and the Israel-Gaza conflict made the cut.

Oscar Doc Race Heats Up: Snubs & Surprises Emerge

The Academy Awards documentary feature race has intensified with the release of the Oscar shortlist, revealing a mix of anticipated contenders and notable omissions. Netflix has secured three films advancing in this prestigious category, signaling strong industry backing. Meanwhile, the selection process highlighted a clear trend of excluding documentaries centered on well-known celebrities.

Among the films advancing are documentaries that delve into pressing global issues, including the challenges faced by independent journalists in Russia amid political crackdowns and the intricate dynamics of the Israel-Gaza conflict. These selections underscore a focus on contemporary geopolitical and social themes within the documentary filmmaking community.

A record number of 201 feature documentaries were eligible this year, making the competition particularly fierce. The nomination voting period is set to commence soon, with the official nominations for the 98th Academy Awards to be announced in January.