Oscar Watch: 201 Documentary, International & Animated Feature Eligibility Lists Revealed
Los Angeles, CA – November 18, 2023 – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled the lists of eligible films vying for Oscar recognition in the Best Documentary Feature, Best International Feature, and Best Animated feature categories. A total of 322 films – 201 documentaries, 86 international features, and 35 animated features - will be in contention this awards season.
This year’s documentary field is notably robust, with 201 submissions marking the second-highest number ever. The record was set in 2021, a year that saw an extended eligibility period and relaxed theatrical release requirements due to the pandemic.
Documentary Frontrunners Emerge
Several documentaries already generating buzz within the industry made the cut. Titles like Netflix’s The Perfect Neighbor and Apocalypse in the Tropics, apple’s Come See Me in the Good Light, and Neon’s Orwell: 2+2=5 are expected to be strong contenders.
The list also features personal projects from prominent actors, including my mom Jayne, directed by Mariska Hargitay, and Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost, helmed by Ben Stiller, both offering intimate portraits of their families. Reflecting current global events, several documentaries focusing on the middle East – Torn: The Israel-Palestine Poster War on New York City Streets, Coexistence, My Ass!, Holding Liat, and Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk – also secured eligibility.
Notably absent from the list is The Eyes of Ghana, directed by two-time Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot. However, the Hollywood Reporter confirms the film has been strategically held for consideration in the next awards season. Other anticipated documentaries missing from the lineup include A24’s Marc by Sofia, Sofia Coppola’s exploration of designer Marc Jacobs, and Questlove’s Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius), reportedly due to submission or eligibility issues.
International Films Showcase Global Cinema
The Best international Feature category boasts 86 submissions, including five critically acclaimed films distributed by Neon – the same company behind the Oscar-winning Parasite. These include Norway’s Sentimental Value, Brazil’s The Secret Agent, South Korea’s no other Choice, Spain’s Sirāt, and France’s It Was Just an Accident. It was Just an Accident, winner of the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, presents a complex situation: directed by Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, it was ultimately submitted by France due to its meaningful French financing, a move reflecting political sensitivities.
The Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 10, 2024. The coming months will undoubtedly see intense campaigning and further scrutiny as the Academy narrows down the field to the final nominees.
Keywords: Academy Awards, Oscars, Documentary Feature, International Feature, Animated Feature, Film Eligibility, Awards Season, The Perfect Neighbor, Apocalypse in the Tropics, Come See Me in the Good Light, Orwell: 2+2=5, My Mom Jayne, Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost, The Eyes of Ghana, Marc by Sofia, Sly Lives!, Sentimental Value, The Secret Agent, No Other Choice, Sirāt, It Was Just an Accident, Jafar Panahi.
