Every year, it seems the documentary branch of the Academy goes out of their way to embarass themselves, and this year is no exception. When the shortlist for the Oscar nominees landed back in November, it was arguably more notable for what was left off the list than what was included. A number of high profile, well reviewed films — Errol Morris' "Tabloid," "Being Elmo: A Pupeteer's Journey," Werner Hezog's "Into the Abyss: A Tale of Death, a Tale of Life," "Page One: Inside the New York Times," "Senna" — didn't make the cut, but luckily the DGA have righted some of those wrongs.
The guild have revealed their nominess in the documentary category today, and finally, Steve James' excellent, moving, must-see "The Interrupters" got some deserved love from the industry. The film is a powerful portrait of various members of CeaseFire in Chicago, a group commited to trying stop violence in their community before it starts right at the street level. Hopefully this nod will give the movie a bit more shine.
Also earning a nod: Martin Scorese's sprawling "George Harrison: Living In The Material World" (not up for Oscar contention); James Marsh's monkey movie "Project Nim"; Richard Press' lovely "Bill Cunningham New York" and "Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory" the final chapter from Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky in their long-running saga of the West Memphis Three.
The winners will be announced on January 28th. [via Deadline]
JOE BERLINGER & BRUCE SINOFSKY
Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory
Radical Media
HBO Documentary Films
STEVE JAMES
The Interrupters
Kartemquin Films
WGBH/Frontline
The Independent Television Services
BBC Storyville
Rise Films
JAMES MARSH
Project Nim
Red Box Films
Passion Pictures
HBO Documentary Films
BBC Films
UK Film Council
RICHARD PRESS
Bill Cunningham New York
First Thought Films
Zeitgeist Films
MARTIN SCORSESE
George Harrison: Living in the Material World
Sikelia Productions
Spitfire Pictures
Grove Street Pictures