The 97th Academy Awards promise to be a landmark event, celebrating a year of groundbreaking cinema. With the preliminary list of contenders now unveiled, it’s clear that 2024 has been a year of diversity, innovation, and powerful storytelling.
Emilia Pérez and Wicked are among the frontrunners, leading with six and four potential nominations, respectively. But beyond the headline-grabbing blockbusters, this year’s Oscars shine a spotlight on documentaries that capture the essence of global storytelling, pushing the boundaries of the genre and showcasing the power of real-life narratives.
This year, documentaries have taken on an unprecedented range of themes, reflecting the complexity of the world and offering audiences both intimate glimpses into personal lives and sweeping examinations of societal challenges.
Documentaries have emerged as a dominant force in modern cinema, rivaling traditional feature films in artistic and cultural impact. With their ability to tackle pressing global issues and provide deeply personal insights, documentaries have become a cornerstone of the Academy Awards.
The 2024 contenders reflect this trend with films that delve into diverse subjects—from the environmental crises threatening our planet to the resilience of communities facing extraordinary challenges. Documentaries now seamlessly combine journalistic rigor with cinematic artistry, making them informative and emotionally powerful. This year’s list highlights works that balance investigative depth with creative storytelling, proving that non-fiction films can captivate audiences just as effectively as their fictional counterparts.
The Bibi Files
Black Box Diaries
Daughters
Dark Money
Eno
Frida
Hollywoodgate
No Other Land
Porcelain War
Queendom
This bold documentary offers an unprecedented inside look at the corruption charges leveled against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Featuring leaked police interrogation videos, it provides a gripping exploration of power, accountability, and the high-stakes world of political scandal in Israel.
Journalist Shiori Ito embarks on a courageous journey to seek justice for her sexual assault, confronting a high-profile offender. Her relentless pursuit becomes a groundbreaking case, shedding light on Japan's deeply entrenched judicial and societal challenges while sparking a national conversation on gender equality and systemic reform.
This poignant documentary traces the journey of 26 looted royal treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey, once exhibited in Paris, as they are finally repatriated to Benin. Through the lens of artist Diop, it captures the powerful voices of a new generation demanding justice, cultural reclamation, and a reimagined legacy of heritage.
Daughters offer an emotional exploration of the bond between young girls and their incarcerated fathers. The film captures their preparation for a special dance event, using this simple yet profound setting to examine the emotional toll of the criminal justice system. By weaving personal stories with broader societal implications, Daughters creates a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful.
A fascinating exploration of the life and work of Brian Eno, this documentary examines the legendary music producer’s innovative influence on the music industry. Through rare interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and an analysis of his creative process, Eno provides an intimate look at one of music’s most enigmatic figures.
This intimate portrayal of Frida Kahlo’s life delves into her resilience and enduring artistic legacy. By intertwining Kahlo’s struggles with her iconic art, the film provides a vivid exploration of how pain and creativity intersect. Stunning visuals of her work and rare archival footage make Frida a deeply emotional and visually striking experience.
Shortly after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban seized control of Hollywood Gate, a site believed to be a former CIA base in Kabul. This pivotal moment symbolizes the dramatic shift in power and raises questions about the lingering traces of foreign influence in the region.
This powerful film, created by a Palestinian-Israeli collective, captures the harrowing destruction of Masafer Yatta in the occupied West Bank by Israeli forces. At its core, it explores the unexpected alliance between Palestinian activist Basel and Israeli journalist Yuval, highlighting their shared struggle for justice amidst the turmoil.
Amid the thunderous roar of fighter jets, Ukrainian artists Slava, Anya, and Andrey choose to remain in their homeland, standing as symbols of resilience and hope. Defiantly creating beauty amidst the ruins of war, they demonstrate that while fear may come easily, the human spirit’s passion for life and creativity is far more enduring and indomitable.
In the vibrant township of Tsakane, outspoken leader Ntandokayise Mthombeni uncovers a life-altering truth: she may be the rightful heir to the throne of the Khahlamba Kingdom. To claim her destiny as Queen, she must confront and triumph over the cunning and ruthless Prince Mcebo, navigating a treacherous path of power, morality, and legacy.
Chasing Roo
Death by Numbers
Eternal Father
Keeper
The Quilters
Through the story of an orphaned kangaroo, Chasing Roo delves into the challenges of wildlife conservation. The film’s heartfelt narrative and stunning visuals make it a standout in the short documentary category.
Four years after surviving an AR-15 shooting at her high school, Samantha Fuentes embarks on an emotional journey to confront her past. As she prepares to face her shooter, she grapples with profound questions of hatred, justice, and the possibility of healing in the wake of unimaginable trauma.
Fearing he won’t see his children grow up, Nasar chooses cryonic freezing after death, hoping to reunite in the future. His family faces a dilemma: follow his path or risk being left behind. As the future overshadows the present, Nasar must confront his decision and rediscover what truly matters.
A group of military veteran hikers rally to support a fellow vet battling depression, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts as he hikes the Appalachian Trail. Carrying 363 military name tapes, he embarks on a powerful mission to honor fallen comrades and raise awareness to prevent veteran suicide—a poignant and inspiring true story.
A celebration of the art of quilting, The Quilters highlights its role in preserving community stories and histories. Through intimate interviews and stunning visuals, the film underscores the importance of craft as a medium for storytelling.
The nominations for the 82nd Golden Globe Awards were announced, revealing a stellar lineup of films and TV series. Leading the charge in the film categories is the musical Emilia Pérez, which garnered an impressive 10 nominations, followed by the epic period drama The Brutalist with seven. On the television side, The Bear took the lead with five nominations, while Only Murders in the Building and Shogun closely followed with four each.
The ceremony, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, will air on January 5 on CBS and Paramount+, promising an evening of glamour and celebration. Below are some of the notable categories and their nominees:
The Brutalist
A Complete Unknown
Conclave
Dune: Part 2
Nickel Boys
September 5
This epic period drama chronicles the life and struggles of a visionary architect, blending themes of ambition, love, and artistic integrity. The film's sweeping narrative and striking visuals make it a frontrunner in the drama category.
In 1961, 19-year-old Bob Dylan arrived in New York City, immersing himself in the Greenwich Village music scene. Forging key connections, he rises rapidly, culminating in a groundbreaking performance that defines his legacy and transforms music history.
Cardinal Lawrence is thrust into the heart of a conspiracy while overseeing the secretive selection of a new Pope, a process that could destabilize the very foundation of the Catholic Church.
The film follows Paul Atreides as he joins the Fremen to avenge his family and fulfill his destiny. Amid war and betrayal, Paul navigates power and survival to bring peace to Arrakis in this epic sequel.
Based on Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the film tells the story of two young African-American men forging a powerful bond as they endure the brutal realities of a Florida reform school.
Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and Apple TV+ have continued to redefine the Oscars and Golden Globe landscapes, particularly in the documentary and TV categories. By democratizing access to high-quality films and series, these platforms have expanded the reach of stories, ensuring that diverse voices and regions gain recognition.
Their growing dominance has not only changed how audiences consume content but also how major award ceremonies approach nominations, paving the way for more inclusive representation and innovative storytelling.
The preliminary lists for the 97th Academy Awards and 82nd Golden Globe Awards highlight the incredible range of talent and creativity defining this year’s cinematic and television achievements. From transformative documentaries to celebrated TV series, these nominees offer a glimpse into the narratives shaping our world.
The 2024 Oscars have once again brought us a stunning lineup of documentaries that tackle a diverse range of subjects, from the haunting Ukrainian war to deeply personal stories of love, tragedy, and resilience. Topping the list is "20 Days in Mariupol," a raw and unflinching look at the devastating consequences of the Ukrainian war. With its powerful storytelling and heart-wrenching footage, it's no surprise that this documentary has emerged as a frontrunner in the Best Documentary Film category, offering a sobering reminder of the human toll of conflict.
As the ceremonies approach, these films and series stand as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to inform, inspire, and connect. Guidedoc celebrates these extraordinary works and invites audiences to explore the stories shaping our cultural landscape today.
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