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2026 Oscar-Nominated Short Films - Documentary

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Roadside Attractions will distribute the 98th Oscar® Nominated Shorts, presented by acclaimed filmmaker, writer, and actor Taika Waititi, exclusively in theaters in the U.S. and Canada on February 20, 2026. The program features three feature-length theatrical presentations, one for each Academy Award® Short Film category--Animated, Documentary, and Live Action--showcasing outstanding short films from around the world. Oscar® Nominated Shorts Program offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience these celebrated works on the big screen ahead of the Oscars®. Honoring short films as a distinct art form, Roadside Attractions will support the program as a must-see theatrical event, uniting film lovers and the global filmmaking community in a shared cinematic experience. The 98th Oscar® Nominated Shorts is presented by Roadside Attractions and is not a release presented by, sponsored by or endorsed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Academy has licensed Roadside Attractions the right to use the Oscar® trade name in connection with such release.

Critics Reviews

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Patrick McDonald HollywoodChicago.com Mar 15
4.5/5
PERFECTLY A STRANGENESS, THE DEVIL IS BUSY, ARMED ONLY WITH A CAMERA: THE LIFE AND DEATH OF BRENT RENAUD, ALL THE EMPTY ROOMS and CHILDREN NO MORE: WERE AND GONE. All affecting, CHILDREN the most so. Go to Full Review Wesley Lovell Cinema Sight Feb 19
3.5/4
The best batch of documentary shorts in some time. Go to Full Review Al Alexander Movies Thru the Spectrum Feb 19
B+
The three standouts deal with deadly violence visited upon innocents. They range from the slaughter of children in American classrooms and international warzones, to a photojournalist senselessly murdered for no other reason than doing his job. Go to Full Review Robin Clifford Reeling Reviews Feb 18
B+
Always a favorite category of mine, the Oscar shorts for documentary are varied and interesting Go to Full Review Jared Mobarak The Film Stage Feb 18
Ahead of the Academy Awards, we’ve reviewed every short film in each category. Go to Full Review Tom Santilli Movie Show Plus Feb 17
B+
...essential viewing. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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O B @Horuss Mar 5 Imagine watching Hamnet 4 times in a row. Imagine that deeply moving sadness and empathy you felt watching the excruciating sorrow in Hamnet. I had to use all my might to keep from weeping uncontrollably in Hamnet which was a remarkable achievement. In this year's Oscar Nominated Shorts--documentaries 4 of the 5 shorts were extremely difficult emotionally. I was repeatedly on the verge of tears or wiping copious tears away from my eyes. Each of these shorts are laudable, skillfully presented movies that in a remarkably brief amount of time manage to evoke the deepest emotions in the viewer. Each film is on a very important topic. Each is deeply moving without being over the top. Each film should be widely seen by as many millions of people as possible. It's a shame these shorts are not more widely seen. If they are showing where you live go see them before they disappear! A must see! Bring kleenex! See more Read all reviews
2026 Oscar-Nominated Short Films - Documentary

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Taika Waititi

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2026 Oscar-Nominated Short Films - Documentary

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Movie Info

Synopsis Roadside Attractions will distribute the 98th Oscar® Nominated Shorts, presented by acclaimed filmmaker, writer, and actor Taika Waititi, exclusively in theaters in the U.S. and Canada on February 20, 2026. The program features three feature-length theatrical presentations, one for each Academy Award® Short Film category--Animated, Documentary, and Live Action--showcasing outstanding short films from around the world. Oscar® Nominated Shorts Program offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience these celebrated works on the big screen ahead of the Oscars®. Honoring short films as a distinct art form, Roadside Attractions will support the program as a must-see theatrical event, uniting film lovers and the global filmmaking community in a shared cinematic experience. The 98th Oscar® Nominated Shorts is presented by Roadside Attractions and is not a release presented by, sponsored by or endorsed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Academy has licensed Roadside Attractions the right to use the Oscar® trade name in connection with such release.
Distributor
Roadside Attractions
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 20, 2026, Limited