2018 Oscar Predictions: Best Documentary Short

Click here to view our 2019 Oscar predictions.

The Academy Documentary branch has winnowed down the eligible Short Subject contenders from 77 to five nominated films. They have played countless film festivals, but had to win an award at a qualifying festival to be eligible.

Last year Netflix won the Oscar for Syria documentary “White Helmets,” which was easily viewed on the site. This year’s entry, opioid epidemic expose “Heroine(e),” is also strong enough to win.

Documentary shorts winners often appeal to the Academy’s humanistic side. This year’s five American films range from mental illness and police brutality to the opioid crisis. And “Edith + Eddie” is a heart-tugger about a bi-racial elderly couple struggling to stay together.

Frontrunner: 

“Heroin(e)” (A Netflix Original Documentary in association with The Center for Investigative Reporting, A Requisite Media Production)

Contenders:

“Heaven is a Traffic Jam on the 405” (Stiefel & Co.)
“Knife Skills” (TFL Films)
“Edith + Eddy” (Heart is Red and Kartemquin Films)
“Traffic Stop” (Q-Ball Productions)