The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, or The Academy as it's less cumbersomely known, has announced the fifteen films that will be in contention for the Best Documentary Oscar in 2008. These will then be wittled down to a shortlist for the actual ceremony.
The long list reads as follows:
Autism: The Musical
Body of War
For the Bible Tells Me So
Lake of Fire
Nanking
No End in Sight
Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience
Please Vote for Me
The Price of Sugar
A Promise to the Dead: The Exile Journey of Ariel Dorfman
The Rape of Europa
Sicko
Taxi to the Dark Side
War/Dance
White Light/Black Rain
A lot of those haven't screened in the UK yet – or at least not that we've heard of – so we can't judge which is likely to win. Michael Moore's Sicko is an obvious one, but its limited impact after the maelstrom of Fahrenheit 9/11 makes it less of a contender. One film that could bring a victory if it persuades enough of the liberal Academy voters – who are probably still outnumbered by the ancient conservative crusty ones who vote for things like A Beautiful Mind – is Lake of Fire. Tony Kaye's sure to be controversial film explores both sides of the abortion debate and is already getting strong word.
Do you have any strong feelings on which should win from that list?