Breaking Down The 2026 Best Documentary Feature Oscar Nominees!

This year’s Oscars nominations for Best Documentary Features are in! All 5 nominees premiered at Sundance, which traditionally has been the main launching pad for Oscar-nominated documentaries. Each film takes distinct storytelling approaches, but their goals remain similar. There are many different styles film creators can have, and some of these films have a much easier time than others in terms of visibility, but the road from starting a documentary to getting nominated for an Oscar takes many turns.

This year’s nominees span locations across Russia, the United States, and rural Iran, moving between schools, prisons, neighborhoods, homes, and villages. Although some have gotten more mainstream attention compared to others, there is no runaway, clear frontrunner. So, since any of these nominees can win, and given how different they all are, this is our breakdown of each of these incredible Oscar-nominated films!

1. Cutting Through Rocks (dir. Mohammadreza Eyni & Sara Khaki)

Cutting Through Rocks is set in a rural Iranian village and follows Sara Shahverdi, the first woman elected to her local village council. The film takes a small, naturalistic approach through everyday decision-making, interactions, meetings, etc. It’s a film that covers ground-level politics, and it’s especially impactful because it tackles big questions surrounding tradition for young girls and women in the community. It’s one of two documentaries nominated that focus on international settings/politics, and it’s currently the least accessible as it is not in theaters nor streamable.

2.  The Alabama Solution (dir. by Andrew Jarecki & Charlotte Kaufman)

This film is set in Alabama and examines the state’s prison system. Phones get confiscated and marked as contraband, but before many are taken, they provide critical footage for this piece. Prisons are reportedly overcrowded, and conditions for inmates are very tough. In particular, the documentary revolves around a fatal incident involving prison guards. The documentary, through inmates’ accounts and interviews, reveals how complicated all of this is. (Stream on HBO Max)

3. The Perfect Neighbor (dir. Geeta Gandbhir)

Taking place in Florida, The Perfect Neighbor reconstructs a neighbor dispute that escalates into the fatal shooting of Ajike “AJ” Owens, covering the events leading up to and following it. The film is told almost entirely through police body-camera footage with supplemental information provided in the form of 911 calls and surveillance footage, but the documentary shows the story chronologically with a strong effort to avoid sensationalism through minimal narration and a focus on real camera footage. (Stream on Netflix)

4. Come See Me In The Good Light (dir. Ryan White)

Produced by comedian Tig Notaro, poet Andrea Gibson’s story revolves around their illness, creative life, and their partnership. This film is intimate and character-focused and isn’t specifically about their illness, as it also covers much of their career as a poet.  The documentary shows the highs and lows of the constant sickness updates, with humor present throughout, making it one of the more personal, unfiltered pieces among these nominees. (Stream on Apple TV)

5. Mr. Nobody Against Putin (dir. David Borenstein & Pavel Talankin)

Lastly, as hinted at by its title, this story takes place in Russia, largely inside a school. The film follows a school videographer and teacher,and documents how wartime messaging and propaganda can enter or even infiltrate the education system. It offers an insider perspective where Pavel Talankin is not only filming but also appearing in the piece, and co-directing it with David Borenstein. (Available on VOD/Digital)

Conan O’Brien will be hosting the 98th Oscars for the second consecutive year. You can tune in on March 15, 2026, at 7:00pm ET / 4:00pm PT on ABC or stream it on Hulu!