The Academy Awards is one of the most influential awards ceremonies in the world. A nomination sets a film apart from the hundreds released that year. Only a handful of films are nominated each season for Best Documentary Feature. With so many fantastic movies released in the last year, there are so many to sort through for nominations. Whether you’re a fan of historical, nature, investigative, political, or one of the other numerous kinds of documentaries, we’re sure 2022 has brought one that you’ll love.
Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, the 95th Academy Awards ceremony will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on March 12, 2023. Official nominations will release on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. So let’s take a look at which documentary films might be nominated this year for the Academy Awards.
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Nature and Science Documentaries
Prime Video
There are a few stunning nature documentaries that could be up for nominations this year, and Fire of Love is one of the documentaries audiences are most excited about. The story is inspiring and tear-jerking all at once, following Katia and Maurice Krafft.’s brilliant field work as volcanologists and their love story. We’re sure Fire of Love will have a shot at a nomination this season -– and maybe even a win!
However, another stunning nature documentary also has a fair shot at nomination – this one following a rather famous robot on her last mission. Good Night Oppy is another fantastic science documentary up for nomination at this year’s Academy Awards, and it follows Opportunity in her final days on Mars. We’re sure this doc will be a strong contender for nomination for its likewise never before seen footage and compelling scientists.
Historical and Political Documentaries
Netflix
Perhaps the most well-known type of documentary these days, historical and political docs have a fond place in the hearts of movie lovers. They unearth mysteries from the past, bring present ones to light, and investigate the truth behind wrongdoings that can even put filmmakers in harm’s way. These documentaries are undeniably important, and we’re excited to see which ones make it onto the ballot this year.
First up is the documentary Descendant. Following the stories of the descendants of survivors from the last-known slave ship to arrive in the U.S., the subjects of this documentary strive to gain recognition and justice for their ancestors when the ship’s remains are discovered. It’s an important topic, and this documentary is undoubtedly set up for nomination this year.
The Janes comes at a very important time in history for women’s reproductive rights. Following a group of female activists in the 1970s, this documentary tells the story of a network of women who helped give safe abortions to those in need during a time when it was illegal to do so. Despite arrests and backlash from their communities, these women never gave up. It is a timely documentary about women’s rights, and while it isn’t as big of a contender as other films on this list, The Janes might have a shot at receiving a nomination.
Many people were impacted by the Trump administration’s policies, and Bad Axe explores an impact we haven’t seen in a documentary before. Following an Asian-American family in Michigan, we see the real-time struggle the pandemic and community forces upon them. Bad Axe is definitely a film you won’t want to overlook for nominations.
With so many compelling, educational, and investigative documentaries about history and politics up for nominations this year, we’re excited to see which of these incredible films makes it to the Academy Awards.
Documentaries About Amazing People
Universal Pictures
Documentaries can have many subject matters; sometimes, the most compelling ones are about everyday people. This year, we have docs about unique people whose lives are full of interesting twists and turns.
Sr. is a documentary about Robert Downey, Sr.’s life and work. Following his death in 2021, it will be making its way to Netflix after a screening at the New York Film Festival, and the streaming platform has been setting this documentary up for a nomination from the start. It’s definitely a late-game contender. However, the work of Robert Downey Sr. had a significant impact, and we’re sure this doc will shed light on lesser-known aspects of the man’s career. For film fans everywhere, this documentary is sure to please audiences and share an inspirational father and son tale.
This next documentary discusses the life and work of a likewise brilliant creative man. For readers, this documentary may have a fond place in your hearts. A lighthearted documentary might be much needed right now, and Turn Every Page is here to delight audiences. For fans of Robert Caro, this documentary is a must-watch. For those who don’t know him and his extensive literary work, this doc will be a delightful experience.
A newer release that screened at this year’s Cannes, Moonage Daydream is the Bowie documentary we’ve been waiting for. We were certainly excited to see another documentary constructed of never-before-seen footage. Moonage Daydream should be a phenomenal exploration of David Bowie’s life and career as it utilizes the artist’s narration as well. As documentaries of this style become more popular, we’re excited to see which new directions this budding genre takes in the coming years – and if the Academy is too, we might see Moonage Daydream on the ballot this year.
And the Nominations Are…
With so many fantastic documentaries released this year, it will be hard to choose which ones will be nominated. Important stories about family, nature, love, and loss are prevalent throughout these festival award-winning films, and we can’t wait to see which ones arrive on the ballot for the 95th Academy Awards.
