Another category where no guild exists. There are even fewer organizations that recognize short documentaries, so we’re on our own.

Best Documentary Short Subject

Winner Predictions

The ABCs of Book Banning TL
The Barber of Little Rock
Islands in Between
The Last Repair Shop WLPP
Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó

Runner-Up Predictions

The ABCs of Book Banning PP
The Barber of Little Rock WL
The Last Repair Shop TL

(color and symbol key at bottom of page)

Wesley Lovell: The one with the most emotional heft, thanks to its terrific music, is The Last Repair Shop. It’s not overtly political unless music-in-schools is controversial, but it’s the kind of feel-good documentary that could win. While I think The Barber of Little Rock, which is apolitical, but possibly controversial, could be the winner as well. The ABCs of Book Banning, while an important subject, is most definitely political and that might just be why voters make it their top choice in spite of being one of the weaker entries.
Pete Patrick: The lovely documentary about the workers who fix the instruments that L.A.’s kids play in their school orchestras should be an easy winner, especially with its powerful orchestral ending, but The ABCs of Book Banning with its wise beyond their years Florida school kids could win due to its topicality.
Thomas La Tourrette: The ABCs of Book Banning will definitely be the film to beat. It grows more topical by the day and its impact will resonate with the Academy. It really seems the likely winner.

KEY: