Can a Doc Finally Win Best Picture?

In nearly a century of the Academy Awards, a documentary has never secured a nomination for Best Picture. This year, however, that historical precedent is being challenged by a nonfiction film focusing on Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes. The film's acclaim and box office success raise the possibility of a documentary finally breaching this exclusive category. This potential breakthrough follows the Academy's earlier decision to expand the Best Picture field, which was partly driven by the desire to recognize documentaries. Many other documentaries over the past four decades have been considered worthy of a Best Picture nomination but were overlooked. These include films spanning diverse subjects and styles. If the current documentary earns a nomination, it will mark a significant moment, prompting reflection on why it took so long for nonfiction films to be considered for the top filmmaking honor.