Netflix Snags Two Spots On Best Documentary Oscar Short List

Though Oscar nominations are still over a month away, the Academy has narrowed down its list of potential nominees for Best Documentary Feature. This year’s short list includes Sundance trailblazers Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief and Amyboth controversial in their respective takedowns of the church of Scientology and fame-fueled addiction. Lesser-known but equally strong contenders include the gripping campus rape exposé The Hunting Ground and Cartel Land, a film that sandwiched documentarian Matthew Heineman between two warring Mexican gangs.

But HBO Docs and independent backers have surefire streaming competition this year thanks to Netflix, who have not one, but two spots on 2015’s shortlist with Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom and What Happened, Miss Simone? The former, quietly released in select theaters and on the streaming platform back in October, has garnered attention from critics for its immersive look at Ukraine’s polarizing student protests. What Happened Miss Simone?, however, may be Netflix’s most promising shot for Oscar gold. A haunting look at the life of late jazz artist and civil rights activist, Nina Simone, director Liz Garbus’ blending of music and politics creates an immediate sense of relevancy in today’s current fight against social injustice.

The Academy’s final inclusions on January 14 will determine if Netflix contenders make the cut for the race for Best Documentary. Last year Netflix’s environmental cry Virunga lost to HBO’s Edward Snowden demythologizing Citizenfour, but the platform’s acclaimed Egyptian revolution reveal The Square gave 20 Feet From Stardom a run for its money back in 2013. Thus, the streaming giant, with their consistent momentum in the documentary realm, could be the house to beat this year.

See the complete short list below and where you can stream those already available to watch on Netflix and VOD.

Amy [Stream on iTunes, Amazon Video]

Best of Enemies [Stream on iTunes, Amazon Video]

Cartel Land [Stream on iTunes, Amazon Video]

Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief [Stream on HBO Go, HBO Now, iTunes, Amazon Video]

He Named Me Malala [Preorder on iTunes]

Heart of a Dog [Not yet available to stream]

The Hunting Ground [Stream on iTunes]

Listen to Me Marlon [Not yet available to stream]

The Look of Silence [Stream on iTunes, Amazon Video]

Meru [Stream on iTunes, Amazon Video]

3 1/2 Minutes, 10 Bullets [Not yet available to stream]

We Come as Friends [Not yet available to stream]

What Happened, Miss Simone? [Stream on Netflix]

Where to Invade Next [Not yet available to stream]

Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom [Stream on Netflix]