2017 Oscar Predictions: Best Documentary Short

The documentary branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences selected five Documentary Short Subject contenders out of 61 eligible entries for the 89th Academy Awards to compete for the Oscar.

The Syrian crisis figures in “Watani: My Homeland,” “4.1 Miles,” and “The White Helmets,” from Netflix, which also backed hospital life-and-death documentary “Extremis.” Kahane Cooperman’s “Joe’s Violin” is about a 92-year-old Holocaust survivor who donates his family violin to an instrument drive.

Contenders (in order of likelihood to win)

1. “The White Helmets,” Grain Media and Violet Films

2. “Watani: My Homeland,” ITN Productions

3. “Joe’s Violin,” Lucky Two Productions

4.“Extremis,” f/8 Filmworks in association with Motto Pictures

5. “4.1 Miles,” University of California, Berkeley