Tag: best documentary feature

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2023 Oscars Challenge: [16] “Navalny” (One Nomination)

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FILM #16 OF 39 95TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2023 OSCARS CHALLENGE“NAVALNY”FEBRUARY 15, 2023HBO MAX DAY 23 OF 48 Best DOCUMENTARY FEATUREProduced by Daniel Roher, Odessa Rae, Diane Becker, Melanie Miller and Shane Boris The political documentary “Navalny” plays out like an espionage thriller. What director Daniel Roher and his team capture on film is nothing short of history-making. Alexei Navalny is a Russian political … Read More 2023 Oscars Challenge: [16] “Navalny” (One Nomination)

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2023 Oscars Challenge: [10] “All That Breathes” (One Nomination)

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FILM #10 OF 39 95TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2023 OSCARS CHALLENGE“ALL THAT BREATHES”FEBRUARY 11, 2023HBO MAX DAY 19 OF 48 Best DOCUMENTARY FEATUREProduced by Shaunak Sen, Aman Mann and Teddy Leifer Premiering at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, “All That Breathes” follows two brothers in New Delhi dedicating their lives to saving birds falling from the polluted sky, specifically the black kite. The documentary … Read More 2023 Oscars Challenge: [10] “All That Breathes” (One Nomination)

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2023 Oscars Challenge: [6] “Fire Of Love” (One Nomination)

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FILM #6 OF 39 95TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2023 OSCARS CHALLENGE“FIRE OF LOVE”FEBRUARY 5, 2023DISNEY+ DAY 13 OF 48 Best DOCUMENTARY FEATUREProduced by Sara Dosa, Shane Boris and Ina Fichman “Fire of Love” is astounding. Katia and Maurice Krafft were one of the only volcanologist couples. They traveled the world, documenting all the volcanoes they visited, attempting to use their studies to build a … Read More 2023 Oscars Challenge: [6] “Fire Of Love” (One Nomination)

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2023 Oscars Challenge: [2] “A House Made of Splinters” (One Nomination)

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FILM #2 OF 39 95TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2023 OSCARS CHALLENGE“A HOUSE MADE OF SPLINTERS”FEBRUARY 1, 2023BBC IPLAYER DAY 9 OF 48 Best DOCUMENTARY FEATUREProduced by Simon Lereng Wilmont and Monica Hellström In “A House Made of Splinters,” which takes place in eastern Ukraine (Lysychansk), there’s no talk about the war, at least not the one with bombs and gunfire. Violence and addiction inside … Read More 2023 Oscars Challenge: [2] “A House Made of Splinters” (One Nomination)

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2023 Oscars Challenge: [1] “All The Beauty and the Bloodshed” (One Nomination)

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FILM #1 OF 39 95TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2023 OSCARS CHALLENGE“ALL THE BEAUTY AND THE BLOODSHED”JANUARY 31, 2023FILM INDEPENDENT SCREENER DAY 8 OF 48 Best DOCUMENTARY FEATUREProduced by Laura Poitras, Howard Gertler, John Lyons, Nan Goldin and Yoni Golijov You couldn’t write a character better than Nan Goldin. She’s a larger-than-life personality that has lived extraordinarily. She’s an activist and an artist, a rebel … Read More 2023 Oscars Challenge: [1] “All The Beauty and the Bloodshed” (One Nomination)

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Oscars Shortlist: 15 Documentary Feature Films Shortlisted for 95th Academy Awards

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“All That Breathes” “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed” “Bad Axe” “Children of the Mist” “Descendant” “Fire of Love” “Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song” “Hidden Letters” “A House Made of Splinters” “The Janes” “Last Flight Home” “Moonage Daydream” “Navalny” “Retrograde” “The Territory” Per the Academy’s press release: 15 films will advance in the Documentary Feature Film category for the 95th Academy Awards. … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 15 Documentary Feature Films Shortlisted for 95th Academy Awards

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2022 Oscars Challenge: [27] “Writing With Fire” (One Nomination)

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FILM #27 OF 38 94TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2022 OSCARS CHALLENGE“Writing With Fire”MARCH 10, 2022FILM INDEPENDENT SCREENER DAY 31 OF 48 BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATUREProduced by Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE Rintu Thomas — 1st time Nominee — Sushmit Ghosh — 1st time Nominee — CHANCES PERSONAL PREDICTIONS EXPERT PREDICTIONS Armed with smartphones and tenacity, a fearless group of journalists from India’s … Read More 2022 Oscars Challenge: [27] “Writing With Fire” (One Nomination)

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2022 Oscars Challenge: [25] “Attica” (One Nomination)

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FILM #25 OF 38 94TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2022 OSCARS CHALLENGE“Attica”MARCH 7, 2022PRIME VIDEO DAY 28 OF 48 BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATUREProduced by Stanley Nelson and Traci A. Curry BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE Stanley Nelson — 1st time Nominee — Traci A. Curry — 1st time Nominee — CHANCES PERSONAL PREDICTIONS EXPERT PREDICTIONS On September 9, 1971, inmates at the Attica Correctional Facility seized part of … Read More 2022 Oscars Challenge: [25] “Attica” (One Nomination)

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2022 Oscars Challenge: [8] “Flee” (Three Nominations)

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FILM #8 OF 38 94TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2022 OSCARS CHALLENGE“FLEE”FEBRUARY 17, 2022HULU DAY 10 OF 48 BEST ANIMATED FEATUREProduced by Jonas Poher Rasmussen, Monica Hellström, Signe Bryge Sørensen and Charlotte De La Gournerie BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATUREProduced by Jonas Poher Rasmussen, Monica Hellström, Signe Bryge Sørensen and Charlotte De La Gournerie BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURECountry of Origin: Denmark BEST ANIMATED FEATURE Jonas Poher Rasmussen — … Read More 2022 Oscars Challenge: [8] “Flee” (Three Nominations)

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2022 Oscars Challenge: [6] “Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” (One Nomination)

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FILM #6 OF 38 94TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2022 OSCARS CHALLENGE“Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)”FEBRUARY 15, 2022HULU DAY 8 OF 48 BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATUREProduced by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Joseph Patel, Robert Fyvolent and David Dinerstein BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE Ahmir Thompson — 1st time Nominee — Joseph Patel — 1st time Nominee — Robert Fyvolent — 1st time Nominee … Read More 2022 Oscars Challenge: [6] “Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” (One Nomination)

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2022 Oscars Challenge: [1] “Ascension” (One Nomination)

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FILM #1 OF 38 94TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 2022 OSCARS CHALLENGE“ASCENSION”FEBRUARY 8, 2022PARAMOUNT+ DAY 1 OF 48 BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATUREProduced by Jessica Kingdon, Kira Simon-Kennedy and Nathan Truesdell With “Ascension,” Jessica Kingdon opens a window into the working class of the Chinese people at many different class levels. We go from the streets where tattoos will keep you from getting a job to high-end … Read More 2022 Oscars Challenge: [1] “Ascension” (One Nomination)

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Oscars Shortlist: 15 Documentary Features Shortlisted for 94th Academy Award Nomination

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DOCUMENTARY feature SHORTLIST: “Ascension” “Attica” “Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry” “Faya Dayi” “The First Wave” “Flee” “In the Same Breath” “Julia” “President” “Procession” “The Rescue” “Simple as Water” “Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” “The Velvet Underground” “Writing with Fire” 138 documentaries were narrowed down to 15 by the Academy today. Of the 15, the top 5 … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 15 Documentary Features Shortlisted for 94th Academy Award Nomination

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Oscars Shortlist: 138 Documentary Features Eligible for 94th Academy Award Nomination

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Narrowing 138 documentary features down to 15 seems like an almost impossible task. Someday I’d really like to talk to the Academy members whose job it is to whittle them down. Instead of just picking the five I think will get Oscar nominations, I decided to expand and guess the 15 documentaries that will be shortlisted next week. I broke them into three different … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 138 Documentary Features Eligible for 94th Academy Award Nomination

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2021 Oscars Challenge: [32] “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution” — Best Documentary Feature

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CRIP CAMP: A DISABILITY REVOLUTION BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE A groundbreaking summer camp galvanizes a group of teens with disabilities to help build a movement, thereby forging a new path toward greater equality. Nicole Newnham, Jim LeBrecht and Sara Bolder PERSONAL PREDICTIONS EXPERT PREDICTIONS — 1st time Nominees — RELEASE DATEMarch 25, 2020 DIRECTORNicole NewnhamJames Lebrecht SCREENPLAYNicole NewnhamJames Lebrecht STUDIONetflix R(for some language including sexual … Read More 2021 Oscars Challenge: [32] “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution” — Best Documentary Feature

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2021 Oscars Challenge: [12] “The Mole Agent” — Best Documentary Feature

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THE MOLE AGENT BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE When a family grows concerned for their mother’s well-being in a retirement home, private investigator Romulo hires 83-year-old Sergio to become a new resident and a mole inside the home. Sergio struggles to balance his assignment with his increasing involvement in the lives of other residents. Maite Alberdi and Marcela Santibáñez A private investigator sends 83-year-old Sergio into … Read More 2021 Oscars Challenge: [12] “The Mole Agent” — Best Documentary Feature

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2021 Oscars Challenge: [11] “Time” — Best Documentary Feature

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TIME BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE In this love story filmed over two decades, indomitable matriarch Fox Rich strives to raise her six sons and keep her family together while fighting for her husband’s release from the Louisiana State Penitentiary, commonly known as Angola. Garrett Bradley, Lauren Domino and Kellen Quinn “Time” is a documentary about real people dealing with real issues. Fox Rich tells the … Read More 2021 Oscars Challenge: [11] “Time” — Best Documentary Feature

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2021 Oscars Challenge: [6] “My Octopus Teacher” — Best Documentary Feature

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MY OCTOPUS TEACHER BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE While swimming in the waters of the Great African Sea Forest, filmmaker and conservationist Craig Foster meets an unlikely teacher: a young octopus. After visiting her den every day for months, he eventually wins the animal’s trust, and as she shares the secrets of her world, Foster undergoes a transformation. Pippa Ehrlich, James Reed and Craig Foster Being … Read More 2021 Oscars Challenge: [6] “My Octopus Teacher” — Best Documentary Feature

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2021 Oscars Challenge: [1] “Collective” (Two Nominations)

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COLLECTIVE BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATUREBEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE The film follows a team of journalists who uncover widespread corruption. After a deadly nightclub fire, the mysterious death of a powerful pharmaceutical firm’s owner and the resignation of a health minister, the reporters expose a much larger, even more explosive political scandal. Alexander Nanau and Bianca Oana If a documentary can change the way you feel or … Read More 2021 Oscars Challenge: [1] “Collective” (Two Nominations)

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Oscars Shortlist: 15 Documentary Features Shortlisted for 93rd Academy Award Nomination

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DOCUMENTARY feature SHORTLIST: “All In: The Fight for Democracy” “Boys State” “Collective” “Crip Camp” “Dick Johnson Is Dead” “Gunda” “MLK/FBI” “The Mole Agent” “Notturno” “My Octopus Teacher” “The Painter and the Thief” “76 Days” “Time” “The Truffle Hunters” “Welcome to Chechnya” Today, the Academy announced the shortlist for the Best Documentary Feature category as part of the delayed 93rd Academy Awards. Starting as two … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 15 Documentary Features Shortlisted for 93rd Academy Award Nomination

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Oscars Shortlist: 238 Documentary Features Eligible for 93rd Academy Award Nomination

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Narrowing 238 documentary features down to 15 seems like an almost impossible task. Someday I’d really like to talk to the Academy members whose job it is to whittle them down. Instead of just picking the five I think will get Oscar nominations, I decided to expand and guess the 15 documentaries that will be shortlisted next week. I broke them into three different … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 238 Documentary Features Eligible for 93rd Academy Award Nomination

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2020 Oscars Challenge: [28] “The Cave” — Best Documentary Feature

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At the moment, “American Factory” seems to hold the front-runner status for one reason or another. “For Sama” and “The Cave” are very similar in subject matter, so the runner-up status likely drops to one of them. Personally, I feel like “For Sama” was the more engaging film, so for that I feel like “The Cave” falls to third place. However, reading Academy voters ballots that were released, “The Cave” was brought up quite a bit.

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2020 Oscars Challenge: [15] “The Edge Of Democracy” — Best Documentary Feature

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Currently, the Oscar experts have “American Factory” winning in a landslide. In my personal opinion, I don’t think it has enough heart to bring in the voters, something “Honeyland” and “For Sama” both have. I could see this one going in a different direction than the pundits are predicting.

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2020 Oscars Challenge: [4] “American Factory” — Best Documentary Feature

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Currently, the Oscar experts have “American Factory” winning in a landslide. In my personal opinion, I don’t think it has enough heart to bring in the voters, something “Honeyland” and “For Sama” both have. I could see this one going in a different direction than the pundits are predicting.

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2020 Oscars Challenge: [3] “For Sama” — Best Documentary Feature

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Right now, pundits have “American Factory” and “Honeyland” coming in before “For Sama,” but do not count it out, as it might just tug at the heartstrings more than those other two films can.

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2020 Oscars Challenge: [2] “Honeyland” — Two Nominations

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“American Factory” is currently the odds on favorite among the pundits, but showing up in both the Documentary and International Feature categories does get more eyes on this one. “Honeyland” also holds an edge over “American Factory” in the style department.

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Oscars Shortlist: 15 Documentaries in the Final Round for the 92nd Academy Awards

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The Best Documentary Feature category has been narrowed down to fifteen contenders.

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Oscars Shortlist: 159 Documentary Features Eligible for Nomination at 92nd Academy Awards

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Even though there are 159 documentaries in contention for the Best Documentary Feature at this year’s 92nd Academy Awards, I have not seen a single one. So my guesses about what will make the final cut are really based on what got in from past ceremonies and what buzz is surrounding certain titles or how well they did at the box office. Music documentaries … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 159 Documentary Features Eligible for Nomination at 92nd Academy Awards

+ 2019 Oscars Challenge

2019 Oscars Challenge: [28] “Free Solo” – Best Documentary Feature

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“FREE SOLO”Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, Evan Hayes and Shannon Dill Directors: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy ChinProducers: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, Shannon Dill, and Evan HayesCinematography: Jimmy Chin, Clair Popkin, and Mikey SchaeferEditor: Bob EisenhardtComposer: Marco BeltramiDistributors: National Geographic Documentary FilmsRelease Date: September 28, 2018Run-time: 96 minutes FILM SYNOPSIS: Renowned free solo climber Alex Honnold has long desired to attempt El Capitan, … Read More 2019 Oscars Challenge: [28] “Free Solo” – Best Documentary Feature

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2019 Oscars Challenge: [18] “Of Fathers And Sons” – Best Documentary Feature

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“OF FATHERS AND SONS”Talal Derki, Ansgar Frerich, Eva Kemme and Tobias N. Siebert Director: Talal DerkiProducers: Ansgar Frerich, Eva Kemme and Tobias N. SiebertCinematography: Kahtan HassounEditor: Anne FabiniComposer: Karim Sebastian EliasDistributors: Kino LorberRelease Date: November 16, 2018Run-time: 99 minutes FILM SYNOPSIS: Documentarian Talal Derki returns to his native Syria and gains the trust of Abu Osama, a founder of the Al Qaeda-affiliated Al Nusra … Read More 2019 Oscars Challenge: [18] “Of Fathers And Sons” – Best Documentary Feature

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2019 Oscars Challenge: [13] “Minding The Gap” – Best Documentary Feature

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“MINDING THE GAP”Bing Liu and Diane Quon Director: Bing LiuProducers: Bing Liu and Diane QuonCinematography: Bing LiuEditors: Joshua Altman and Bing LiuComposers: Nathan Halpern and Chris RuggieroDistributors: Hulu and Magnolia PicturesRelease Date: August 17, 2018Run-time: 93 minutes FILM SYNOPSIS: As he films his fellow skateboarders over the years, Bing Liu wonders why so many of them have experienced contentious relationships with their fathers. As … Read More 2019 Oscars Challenge: [13] “Minding The Gap” – Best Documentary Feature

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2019 Oscars Challenge: [4] “Hale County This Morning, This Evening” – Best Documentary Feature

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“HALE COUNTY THIS MORNING, THIS EVENING”RaMell Ross, Joslyn Barnes and Su Kim Director: RaMell RossProducers: Joslyn Barnes & RaMell Ross Writers: RaMell Ross & Maya Krinsky Cinematography: RaMell RossEditor: RaMell RossComposer: Scott Alario, Forest Kelley, and Alex SomersDistributor: The Cinema GuildRelease Date: September 14, 2018Run-time: 76 minutes FILM SYNOPSIS: The dreams and everyday experiences of friends Daniel and Quincy, and also those of Boosie, … Read More 2019 Oscars Challenge: [4] “Hale County This Morning, This Evening” – Best Documentary Feature

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2019 Oscars Challenge: [2] “RBG” – Two Nominations

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“RBG”Betsy West & Julie Cohen Directors: Betsy West & Julie CohenProducers: Betsy West & Julie CohenCinematography: Claudia RaschkeEditor: Carla GutierrezComposer: Miriam CutlerProduction Company: CNN FilmsDistributor: Magnolia PicturesRelease Date: May 4, 2018Run-time: 97 minutes OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS: Octogenarian Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who was sworn in as a Supreme Court justice in 1993, had spent her prior legal career battling laws that allowed gender discrimination. Supported by … Read More 2019 Oscars Challenge: [2] “RBG” – Two Nominations

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Oscars Shortlist: 15 Documentary Features Shortlisted for 91st Academy Awards

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Fifteen films will advance in the Documentary Feature category for the 91st Academy Awards.  One hundred sixty-six films were originally submitted in the category.  Members of the Documentary Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.  The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are: “Charm City” “Communion” “Crime + Punishment” “Dark Money” “The Distant Barking of Dogs” “Free Solo” “Hale County This … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 15 Documentary Features Shortlisted for 91st Academy Awards

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Oscars Watch: 166 Documentary Features in Contention for 91st Academy Awards

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“Above and Beyond: NASA’S Journey to Tomorrow” “Active Measures” “Amazing Grace” “American Chaos” “Andy Irons: Kissed by God” “Antonio Lopez 1970: Sex Fashion & Disco” “Avicii: True Stories” “Bali: Beats of Paradise” “Bathtubs over Broadway” “Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché” “Believer” “Better Angels” “Bill Coors: The Will to Live” “Bisbee ’17” “The Bleeding Edge” “Boom for Real: The Late Teenage Years … Read More Oscars Watch: 166 Documentary Features in Contention for 91st Academy Awards

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2018 Oscars Challenge: [22] “Faces Places” – Best Documentary Feature

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“FACES PLACES” Agnès Varda, JR and Rosalie Varda Directors & Writers: Agnès Varda & JR Producers: Agnès Varda, JR and Rosalie Varda Cinematography: Romain Le Bonniec, Claire Duguet, Nicolas Guicheteau, and Valentin Vignet Editor: Maxime Pozzi Garcia Composer: Matthieu Chedid Distributor: Cohen Media Group Release Date: October, 2017 Run-time: 89 minutes FILM SYNOPSIS: Filmmaker Agnès Varda teams with photographer and muralist JR to travel the … Read More 2018 Oscars Challenge: [22] “Faces Places” – Best Documentary Feature

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2018 Oscars Challenge: [14] “Strong Island” – Best Documentary Feature

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“STRONG ISLAND” Yance Ford and Joslyn Barnes Director: Yance Ford Producers: Yance Ford & Joslyn Barnes Cinematography: Alan Jacobsen Editor: Janus Billeskov Jansen Composers: Hildur Guðnadóttir and Craig Sutherland Distributors: Netflix Release Date: September 15, 2017 Run-time: 107 minutes FILM SYNOPSIS: In 1992, William Ford, Jr., a 24-year-old African-American man preparing to become a corrections officer, was shot and killed by a white mechanic during … Read More 2018 Oscars Challenge: [14] “Strong Island” – Best Documentary Feature

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2018 Oscars Challenge: [11] “Last Men In Aleppo” – Best Documentary Feature

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“LAST MEN IN ALEPPO” Feras Fayyad, Kareem Abeed and Søren Steen Jespersen Director & Writer: Firas Fayyad Producers: Kareem Abeed and Soeren Steen Jespersen Cinematography: Fadi Al Halabi and Mujahed Abou Al Joud Editors: Michael Bauer and Steen Johannessen Composer: Karsten Fundal Distributors: Grasshopper Film Release Date: May 3, 2016 Run-time: 104 minutes FILM SYNOPSIS: The White Helmets, a civilian rescue squad operating in Syria, … Read More 2018 Oscars Challenge: [11] “Last Men In Aleppo” – Best Documentary Feature

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2018 Oscars Challenge: [9] “Icarus” – Best Documentary Feature

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“ICARUS” Bryan Fogel and Dan Cogan Director: Bryan Fogel Producers: Dan Cogan, Bryan Fogel, David Fialkow, and Jim Swartz Writers: Bryan Fogel & Mark Monroe Cinematography: Jake Swantko & Timothy Rode Distributor: Netflix Release Date: January 20, 2017 (Sundance) Run-time: 121 minutes FILM SYNOPSIS: Intending to prove that sports doping testing can be rigged, amateur bicyclist Bryan Fogel contacts Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, the head … Read More 2018 Oscars Challenge: [9] “Icarus” – Best Documentary Feature

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2018 Oscars Challenge: [1] “Abacus: Small Enough To Jail” – Best Documentary Feature

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“ABACUS: SMALL ENOUGH TO JAIL” Steve James, Mark Mitten and Julie Goldman Director: Steve James Producers: Mark Mitten & Julie Goldman Cinematography: Tom Bergmann Editors: John Farbrother & David E. Simpson Composer: Joshua Abrams Distributors: PBS Distribution & Frontline Release Date: September 11, 2016 Run-time: 88 minutes FILM SYNOPSIS: Following the 2008 financial crisis, the only U.S. bank to face criminal charges was Abacus … Read More 2018 Oscars Challenge: [1] “Abacus: Small Enough To Jail” – Best Documentary Feature

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Oscars Watch: 29th Producers Guild Award Documentary Nominees

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Normally with only five nominees, the PGA has extended their nominee list to seven. “Chasing Coral” is a Netflix Original nature documentary about our disappearing coral reefs. “Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower” is another Netflix Original documentary, this one about a teenager rallying a community against China’s Communist Party. “City Of Ghosts” is an Amazon distributed documentary about the workings of ISIS filmed by Syrian … Read More Oscars Watch: 29th Producers Guild Award Documentary Nominees

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2017 Oscars Challenge: [17] “I Am Not Your Negro” – Best Documentary Feature

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“I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO” Raoul Peck, Rémi Grellety and Hébert Peck Directed by: Raoul Peck Written by: James Baldwin and Raoul Peck Based on: “Remember This House“ by James Baldwin Narrated by: Samuel L. Jackson Edited by: Alexandra Strauss Music by: Alexei Aigui Distributed by: Magnolia Pictures & Amazon Studios Release Date: December 9, 2016 (Wide: February 3, 2017) FILM SYNOPSIS: In 1979, author James … Read More 2017 Oscars Challenge: [17] “I Am Not Your Negro” – Best Documentary Feature

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2017 Oscars Challenge: [5] “Life, Animated” – Best Documentary Feature

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“LIFE, ANIMATED” Roger Ross Williams and Julie Goldman Directed by: Roger Ross Williams Written by: Ron Suskind Based on: “Life, Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes, and Autism” by Ron Suskind (2014) Cinematography by: Tom Bergmann Music by: Ylan Stark and T. Griffin Distributed by: The Orchard Release Date: July 1, 2016 FILM SYNOPSIS: Shortly after he turned three, Owen Suskind, the son of journalist Ron … Read More 2017 Oscars Challenge: [5] “Life, Animated” – Best Documentary Feature

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2017 Oscars Challenge: [4] “Fire At Sea” – Best Documentary Feature

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“FIRE AT SEA” Gianfranco Rosi and Donatella Palermo Directed by: Gianfranco Rosi Written by: Gianfranco Rosi Cinematography by: Gianfranco Rosi Music by: Stefano Grosso Distributed by: 01 Distribution Release Date: September 2, 2016 (Telluride) Language: Italian   FILM SYNOPSIS: When hundreds of thousands of African and Middle Eastern refugees flee their homes, their first stop in Europe is often the Sicilian island of Lampedusa. … Read More 2017 Oscars Challenge: [4] “Fire At Sea” – Best Documentary Feature

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2017 Oscars Challenge: [1] “13th” – Best Documentary Feature

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“13TH” Ava DuVernay, Spencer Averick and Howard Barish Directed by: Ava DuVernay Written by: Ava DuVernay & Spencer Averick Cinematography by: Hans Charles & Kira Kelly Music by: Jason Moran Distributed by: Netflix Release Date: October 7, 2016   FILM SYNOPSIS: African Americans have continued to suffer since the passing of the 13th Amendment, with popular media demonizing people of color, Jim Crow laws … Read More 2017 Oscars Challenge: [1] “13th” – Best Documentary Feature

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2016 Oscars Challenge: [4] “What Happened, Miss Simone?” – Best Documentary Feature

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WHAT HAPPENED, MISS SIMONE? Liz Garbus, Amy Hobby and Justin Wilkes Nina Simone (born Eunice Kathleen Waymon) was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and civil rights activist who worked in a broad range of musical styles including classical, jazz, blues, folk, R&B, gospel, and pop (Wikipedia). As is the case with many great artists, they are often the most troubled and Nina was … Read More 2016 Oscars Challenge: [4] “What Happened, Miss Simone?” – Best Documentary Feature

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Oscars Shortlist: 124 Documentary Features Shortlisted for 88th Academy Awards

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One hundred and twenty four documentaries is a ridiculous amount to choose from, but somehow that will get narrowed down to five. The ones that have the most buzz include “Amy,” the documentary about Amy Winehouse which was released this summer (the “Amy” trailer), “Best Of Enemies,” the Buckley Vs. Vidal documentary highlighting their rivalry (the “Best Of Enemies” trailer), “A Brave Heart: The … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 124 Documentary Features Shortlisted for 88th Academy Awards

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+ 2015 Oscars Challenge

2015 Oscars Challenge: [10] Virunga – Best Documentary Feature

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VIRUNGA Orlando von Einsiedel, Joanna Natasegara, and Jon Drever The question “who gives a fuck about a monkey?” resonated in my mind from the moment I heard it in the Netflix documentary “Virunga” and for days to follow. What an ignorant statement to be made about the endangered mountain gorillas depicted in the film, coming from the mouth of an employee (of some sort) … Read More 2015 Oscars Challenge: [10] Virunga – Best Documentary Feature

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2015 Oscars Challenge: [2] CitizenFour – Best Documentary Feature

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CITIZENFOUR Laura Poitras, Mathilde Bonnefoy and Dirk Wilutzky What qualifies a film to be called the Best Documentary Feature of the year? To me, there is a label that I need to be able to put on that documentary to call it the best. That label is “once in a lifetime”. Obviously this label can land on a few documentaries every year, but for … Read More 2015 Oscars Challenge: [2] CitizenFour – Best Documentary Feature

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Oscars Shortlist: 15 Documentary Features Shortlisted for 87th Academy Awards

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The enormous list of this year’s eligible documentaries has been whittled down to fifteen. First off all, let it be known that I have not seen any of these documentaries yet, but I have seen almost all of their trailers. Of the bunch, there are clear frontrunners which will likely get nominated and a few that are completely up in the air. If there was … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 15 Documentary Features Shortlisted for 87th Academy Awards

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+ 2014 Oscars Challenge

2014 Oscars Challenge: [37] The Square – One Nomination

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Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer Distributed by Netflix, “The Square” is one of two documentaries that got the most exposure this Oscars season, thanks to billboards and constant advertisement from the growing instant streaming company. Second to only “The Act Of Killing”, which was a huge draw this awards season, the film is available on Netflix instantly (as were three of the other contenders) … Read More 2014 Oscars Challenge: [37] The Square – One Nomination

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2014 Oscars Challenge: [29] The Act Of Killing – One Nomination

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Joshua Oppenheimer and Signe Byrge Sørensen A favorite right of the gate this year for Best Documentary Feature, “The Act Of Killing” landed as many critics’ picks for Best Documentary across the nation. Now, the only remaining favorite since “Blackfish” and “Stories We Tell”, the documentary category is so disheveled this year that at the moment, dark horse pick “20 Feet From Stardom” is … Read More 2014 Oscars Challenge: [29] The Act Of Killing – One Nomination

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2014 Oscars Challenge: [18] 20 Feet From Stardom – One Nomination

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Morgan Neville, Gil Friesen and Caitrin Rogers The entire Best Documentary Feature category was surprising to me on the morning of the nominations. Not only were “Blackfish” and “Stories We Tell” missing from the nominations, but “20 Feet From Stardom”, a film that I had all but written off had made the cut. Following the story of some of the most prestigious back up … Read More 2014 Oscars Challenge: [18] 20 Feet From Stardom – One Nomination

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2014 Oscars Challenge: [12] Dirty Wars – One Nomination

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Richard Rowley and Jeremy Scahill Although most categories are up for grabs, Best Documentary Feature is one of those categories that is almost unpredictable this year with the way things turned out. With no fan favorites like “Blackfish” or “Stories We Tell”, it really is anyone’s came. So even “Dirty Wars” could pull off a win, even though I personally do not find that … Read More 2014 Oscars Challenge: [12] Dirty Wars – One Nomination

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2014 Oscars Challenge: [3] Cutie And The Boxer – One Nomination

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Zachary Heinzerling and Lydia Dean Pilcher “Cutie And The Boxer” is the story of the artistic couple, Noriko and Ushio Shinohara, in their Manhattan flat. Having moved from Japan to the United States, Ushio found slight stardom from his transition into the New York art scene. His sculptures made from recycled cardboard and his paintings made from his boxing with a canvas made him … Read More 2014 Oscars Challenge: [3] Cutie And The Boxer – One Nomination

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Oscars Shortlist: 15 Documentary Features Shortlisted for 86th Academy Awards

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FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION: FIFTEEN DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILMS Chances are if you haven’t heard of it, it is an HBO documentary. Otherwise, the rest of the entries are about what we expected, minus maybe Weinstein’s “Salinger” and “Let The Fire Burn” not finding spots on the list. Without having seen most of these, I feel like I can already pick my winner in “Blackfish”, which … Read More Oscars Shortlist: 15 Documentary Features Shortlisted for 86th Academy Awards

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2013 Oscars Challenge: [25] The Gatekeepers – One Nomination

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THE GATEKEEPERS With two foreign documentaries making the cut this year, “The Gatekeepers” is probably the strongest of the two as far as the Academy is concerned. Both have a strong political front, with “5 Broken Cameras” shot guerrilla style while “The Gatekeepers” stays grounded in interviews and format, even breaking the film into chapters. Perhaps I related more with “5 Broken Cameras”, because … Read More 2013 Oscars Challenge: [25] The Gatekeepers – One Nomination

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2013 Oscars Challenge: [18] Searching For Sugar Man – One Nomination

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SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN Of all the films up for Best Documentary Feature, “Searching For Sugar Man” appears to be the favorite among Oscar experts. With winning producer Simon Chinn (“Man On Wire” (2008)) at the helm, this heartfelt, hybrid documentary takes you on a journey through the life of singer/songwriter Rodriguez, starting with him recording his first album, to being forgotten, to reemerging … Read More 2013 Oscars Challenge: [18] Searching For Sugar Man – One Nomination

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2013 Oscars Challenge: [13] 5 Broken Cameras – One Nomination

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5 BROKEN CAMERAS I believe my review says everything needed to be said about this amazing documentary. Out of the three documentaries I have viewed thus far, this is my personal pick to win, although I have a feeling the more talked about “The Invisible War” could have a better shot. REVIEW Any human being willing to put their life on the line to … Read More 2013 Oscars Challenge: [13] 5 Broken Cameras – One Nomination

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2013 Oscars Challenge: [9] How To Survive A Plague – One Nomination

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HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE “How To Survive A Plague” appears to be the little documentary that could, with no real connection to any awards in the past, yet a spot in the final five competing for Best Documentary Feature. Comparable to “The Invisible War” in that it currently has a 100% rating on the movie reviews site Rotten Tomatoes, what the film doesn’t … Read More 2013 Oscars Challenge: [9] How To Survive A Plague – One Nomination

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2013 Oscars Challenge: [6] The Invisible War – One Nomination

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THE INVISIBLE WAR You know Kirby Dick from the documentary “This Film Is Not Yet Rated”, but he was once nominated for Best Documentary Feature for his film “Twist Of Faith” in 2005, about a man who confronts the Catholic church regarding his childhood abuse. Needless to say, “Born Into Brothels” won that year (“Super Size Me” was that year as well), which left … Read More 2013 Oscars Challenge: [6] The Invisible War – One Nomination

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For Your Consideration 2012: Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry

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Per IMDB: “A documentary that chronicles artist and activist Ai Weiwei as he prepares for a series of exhibitions and gets into an increasing number of clashes with the Chinese government.” For your consideration in Best Documentary Feature Produced by Andy Cohen Michael Frahm Nicolai Frahm Julie Goldman Colin Jones Karl Katz Alison Klayman Cathy Price Adam Schlesinger

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [32] Pina & Documentary Feature

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[14 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[10 DAYS TO OSCARS] Less of a documentary and more of an “in memoriam” for Pina Bausch, a German modern dancer and choreographer, “Pina” uses the cameras and a documentary-like feel as a giant stage to exhibit the modern dance techniques that were taught by the late Pina Bausch. There are small interviews (more like meditations) on different dancers’ … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [32] Pina & Documentary Feature

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2012 Oscars Challenge: [31] Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory & Documentary Feature

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[15 OUT OF 46 FILMS REMAINING]-[12 DAYS TO OSCARS] Originally an HBO special, “Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory” finds itself in the running for Best Documentary Feature. The third film in a series about the West Memphis 3, the documentary summarizes the entire history of the case leading up to the huge events that occurred in the case this past year. “Paradise Lost 3” is … Read More 2012 Oscars Challenge: [31] Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory & Documentary Feature

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For Your Consideration 2011: “Semper Fi”

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Any time a documentary lifts the curtain on certain issues, it usually makes for entertaining and enlightening productions. Much like last year’s “GasLand” which was a filmmaker with his own camera, driving around and getting regular people’s input on the state of their drinking water, “Semper Fi” is a military man stepping forward and speaking up about certain pollution caused by the military. BEST … Read More For Your Consideration 2011: “Semper Fi”

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For Your Consideration 2011: “Pina”

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What sounds like another passionate documentary, “Pina” was originally supposed to followed the life of Pina Bausch, a German modern dance choreographer. When Pina passed away unexpectedly, the film was all but dead, however Pina’s dancers requested the film still get made and now this film garners not only a foreign language film consideration but also a documentary feature film consideration. BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE … Read More For Your Consideration 2011: “Pina”

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For Your Consideration 2011: “Buck”

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As my personal favorite documentary of the year, “Buck” has my wholehearted vote for a nomination at this year’s Academy Awards. Though there is nothing groundbreaking in the film, there is a passion in “Buck” unlike any documentary this year so far and in what seems like the most unlikely of places. I would honestly love to see this film win Best Documentary and … Read More For Your Consideration 2011: “Buck”

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For Your Consideration 2011: “Undefeated”

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Unsure of what this film is or what it is being nominated for, I will have to post more when I find out. All I know now is that The Weinstein Company has listed this film as being considered for the 2011-2012 awards season and that it was screened at the South By Southwest Film Festival. (Apparently not to be confused with the documentary … Read More For Your Consideration 2011: “Undefeated”

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2011 Oscars Challenge: Inside Job

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2011 Oscar Challenge: “Inside Job” (2010)
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2011 Oscars Challenge: For Lack of a Better Option…

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2011 Oscar Challenge: Five Unavailable Titles (2010)
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2011 Oscars Challenge: Gasland

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2011 Oscar Challenge: “Gasland” (2010)
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2010 Oscars Challenge: Food Inc.

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FOOD INC. Up For: Best Documentary, Features Here is what Food Inc. did for me: it disgusted me, it ripped my heart out, it suggested that I live the wrong way but cannot do anything about it because of my social status, and left me feeling helpless. A documentary like this needs to be careful. The entire film is broken into sections and each … Read More 2010 Oscars Challenge: Food Inc.

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2010 Oscars Challenge: The Cove

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THE COVE Up For: Best Documentary, Features With a tag line like “The Bourne Identity meets Flipper”, the Cove was a passing joke between my colleagues and I at work in the video store. That combination makes the documentary sound ridiculous. View the film, however, you will be in awe. The Cove was phenomenal. Though extremely one sided, the film is a great blend … Read More 2010 Oscars Challenge: The Cove

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