Doc Oscar Hope: Is 'You Can See Everything' Too Real?

The film "You Can See Everything" is emerging as a strong contender for a Best Picture nomination at the 99th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2027. While still early in the 2026 movie schedule, this A24 release from directors Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim is already being hailed as one of the year's best.

Despite its high praise, a surprising hurdle exists: its potential exclusion from the Best Documentary Feature category. This is a unique situation, as no documentary has ever been nominated for Best Picture in the Academy's 98-year history. "You Can See Everything" boasts a 98% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes and significant audience and media attention.

However, "You Can See Everything" challenges the traditional documentary format by intentionally blurring the lines between reality and creative license. This unconventional approach leads audiences to question perceptions of truth, which may lead the Academy's documentary branch to deem it not a "true" documentary.

Furthermore, recent Best Documentary wins have favored foreign films and those focusing on war and strife, with "Naza" and "Rehearsals for a Revolution" being current contenders. A24 is campaigning for "You Can See Everything" in multiple categories, including Best Director, Original Score, Cinematography, and Film Editing, though its nomination for Supporting Actress remains a point of speculation.

Even with its strong Best Picture prospects, "You Can See Everything" might ultimately leave the 99th Academy Awards empty-handed. Its unique narrative style, which presents non-fiction in an unconventional manner, is the cause for debate, highlighting the film's potential to make history, whether through nominations or its controversial reception.