2026 Oscar Best Documentary Feature Film Predictions

Tracking my evolving predictions for Documentary Feature throughout Awards Season.
Academy Awards Oscars statuette on transparent background

Documentary Feature

*Updated 01.16.2025

In the Spotlight

1

The Perfect Neighbor (Netflix)

— 🔒

2

2000 Meters to Andriivka (PBS Distribution)

— 🔒

3

The Alabama Solution (HBO Documentary Films)

4

My Undesirable Friends: Part I – Last Air in Moscow (Argot Picture)

▲ 1

5

Mr. Nobody Against Putin (Bantam Films)

▼ 1

On the Fringe

6

Seeds (Seeking U.S. Distribution)

▲ 2

7

Come See Me in the Good Light (Apple TV)

▲ 2

In the Mix

8

Cover-Up (Netflix)

▼ 2

9

Apocalypse in the Tropics (Netflix)

▼ 2

10

Cutting through Rocks (Seeking U.S. Distribution)

▲ 1

Long Shots

11

Coexistence, My Ass! (Self-Distributed)

▼ 1

12

Mistress Dispeller (Oscilloscope Laboratories)

13

Folktales (Magnolia Pictures)

14

Yanuni (Seeking U.S. Distribution)

15

Holding Liat (Seeking U.S. Distribution)

Shortlist scorecard showing 9 out of 15 correct predictions and 60 percent accuracy for Documentary Feature

The table updates as the awards season shifts – my ADHD and OCD won’t let it sit still. The leaderboard below stays put; it’s the Top 7 I locked in at the start of the month.

Leaderboard graphic showing the top 7 Documentary Feature contenders for the 2026 Oscars (Jan 2026)

Leaderboard graphic showing the top 7 Documentary Feature contenders for the 2026 Oscars.