OSCAR SHORT DOCS 2025 SHORT LIST
What makes a story unforgettable?
Is it the emotions it stirs?
The truth it uncovers?
Or the tension between what we expect and what actually unfolds?
Every year, I dive into the Oscar-shortlisted documentaries to explore storytelling at its finest—and how it challenges, comforts, and connects us. This list is the result of that effort—a guide to finding some of the most compelling short stories of the year. (Links to watch in comments.)
If you’re as fascinated by the power of storytelling as I am, take a look at the carousel to see where these films are streaming.
Share with a friend who would love this—and let’s talk: What’s a story that’s stayed with you long after the credits rolled?
Want to explore the art of storytelling more deeply? Join the waitlist for my Spring Doc Story Bootcamp or reach out to discuss creating a custom-branded documentary together. Let’s bring meaningful stories to life.
Out of 104 qualifying films, 15 have been shortlisted. The final nominees will be announced January 24 (could be further delayed due to LA fires).
“Eternal Father” (30 min, New Yorker)
A Family Reckons with a Father’s Wish to Be Preserved Using Cryonics
“Incident” (30 min, New Yorker)
A Look at How Officers React When a Police Killing Is Caught on Tape
“Instruments of a Beating Heart” (23 min, NYT)
A look into the Japanese educational system’s delicate balance between teamwork, discipline and personal growth.
“Planetwalker” (31 min, LA Times)
After witnessing the 1971 oil spill in San Francisco Bay, John Francis is determined to travel across America on foot—and in silence.
“Seat 31: Zooey Zephyr” (15 min, New Yorker)
Go behind the scenes with the Montana state representative as she fights for trans medical care and makes a momentous decision in her own life.
“A Swim Lesson” (15 min, PBS)
Watching a child learn how to swim is like witnessing a great opera.
“Until He’s Back” (40 min, PBS)
After learning that his son, Yahya, has died at sea trying to get to Spain, Ahmed Tchiche must find a way to bring his remains back home to Morocco so he and his family can have a proper goodbye.
“I Am Ready, Warden” (36 min, Paramount+, US)
In the days leading up to his execution, Texas death row prisoner John Henry Ramirez seeks redemption from his victim's son.
https://www.paramountplus.com/movies/video/yleRLXv0XhC4i4xUEY1ZB_OycnkNM_1P/
“Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World” (23 min, Netflix, WW)
The journey of Makayla Cain, a teenager with autism who's finding her voice for the first time.
https://www.netflix.com/title/81926434
“The Only Girl in the Orchestra” (34 min, Netflix, WW)
Celebrating trailblazing double bassist Orin O'Brien, the first woman to become a full-time member of the New York Philharmonic.
https://www.netflix.com/title/81777798
Availability TBD
“Keeper”