The field for the 97th Academy Awards was announced on January 23. In the run up to the awards, I’ll be looking at films in some of the categories. Today, it’s Documentary Features. I have the nominees listed in ascending order according to my personal preference.

No. 5: Porcelain War
About: This film finally started to get a wider release in January, but it’s the one film in any major category I’ve yet to see. So, it’s at the bottom for now. It has an interesting story about artists finding hope in Ukraine during the War, which could give it a decent chance at the ceremony on March 2.

No. 4: Black Box Diaries
About: This is a film that feels very vibrant and emotional, and something right out of the Me Too movement. For those that want to check it out, it’s streaming now on Paramount Plus. It centers on a journalist investigating her own sexual assault and fighting for justice. It’s a deeply emotional tale and could be triggering for some.

No. 3: Soundtrack to Coup d’état
About: We had a lot of deeply emotional and engaging documentaries this year. This film does just that, looking at history through the lens of some talented musicians and the way they used their voices and their art to protest. It’s a fascinating journey through history that’s worth checking out.

No. 2: Sugarcane
About: History is full of dark chapters. This film explores one as people in a Canadian region explore the history and abuses of an Indian residential school. It sparks outrage and deep emotions. But these weren’t relegated to an area in Canada. This is something we in the United States must reckon with, as well.

No. 1: No Other Land
About: This is another deeply emotional tale and a poignant film. It follows those living in the West Bank who are being displaced. Every war and every conflict have two sides of the story. This film tells one that we don’t often here in the West. It’s incredibly moving and incredibly timely. It was my favorite of these films and should be a front-runner in March.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.