The race for the Best Documentary Short Film Oscar is heating up as the 98th Academy Awards approach on March 15th, with a compelling slate of nominees vying for recognition. This year’s contenders tackle a diverse range of poignant and timely subjects, from the enduring trauma of school shootings to the challenges facing reproductive healthcare access. As the final Oscar ballot includes nominees in all 24 categories, industry recognition could play a significant role in determining the winner.
Currently, Joshua Seftel and Conall Jones’ “All the Empty Rooms” is considered a frontrunner in the category. The film, which premiered at the Telluride Film Festival, offers a deeply moving portrait of loss, following CBS correspondent Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp as they document the empty bedrooms of children lost to school shootings. The emotional resonance of the subject matter has resonated strongly with voters throughout awards season.
However, “All the Empty Rooms” faces stiff competition, particularly from Geeta Gandbhir and Christalyn Hampton’s “The Devil Is Busy.” This documentary provides an urgent and hopeful look inside an Atlanta abortion clinic, centering the perspective of Tracii, the clinic’s head of security. Gandbhir’s nomination marks a historic moment, as she is the first Indian woman to receive double Oscar nominations this year – too nominated in the documentary feature category for Netflix’s “The Perfect Neighbor,” following Nisha Pahuja’s 2023 nomination for “To Kill a Tiger.” Gandbhir is also the second Indian woman nominated in documentary short, after Smriti Mundhra’s nominations for “St. Louis Superman” (2019) and “I Am Ready, Warden” (2024).
Immediacy and Personal Connection: Key Factors for Voters
Hilla Medalia’s “Children No More: Were and Are Gone” benefits from its timely subject matter, documenting weekly silent vigils in Tel Aviv honoring children killed during the war in Gaza. The film also gains visibility through the involvement of veteran producer Sheila Nevins, known for her extensive perform in documentary filmmaking, including multiple Emmy Awards and a previous nomination for “The ABCs of Book Banning” in 2024.
Craig Renaud’s “Armed Only With a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud” carries significant weight within the nonfiction filmmaking community. The film serves as a powerful tribute to Renaud’s brother, Brent Renaud, the American journalist killed while reporting on the Russo-Ukrainian War. Voters have expressed strong support for the film, recognizing its deeply personal and impactful storytelling.
A Different Approach: “Perfectly a Strangeness” Offers a Sensory Experience
Alison McAlpine’s “Perfectly a Strangeness” offers a unique and meditative approach to documentary filmmaking. The short film follows three donkeys as they explore an abandoned astronomical observatory, providing a sensory exploration of the cosmos and challenging traditional narrative structures. This distinctive style may appeal to voters seeking something different.
As of March 9, 2026, predictions favor “All the Empty Rooms” to win the Oscar, but “The Devil is Busy” remains a strong contender. Many within the industry believe “The Devil is Busy” should win, recognizing its powerful message and compelling storytelling.
Final Predictions:
- Will Win: “All the Empty Rooms” (Netflix) — Joshua Seftel and Conall Jones
- Could Win: “The Devil is Busy” (HBO Documentary Films) — Christalyn Hampton and Geeta Gandbhir
- Should Win: “The Devil is Busy”
The 98th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will reveal the winners on March 15th. The documentary short film category consistently delivers impactful and thought-provoking stories and this year’s nominees are no exception. The coming week will undoubtedly see further discussion and debate as voters finalize their choices.
What are your thoughts on the nominees? Share your predictions in the comments below!