Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature facts for kids

The Academy Award for Documentary Feature is a very important award for documentary movies. It is given out each year by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. This award celebrates the best non-fiction film that tells a true story.

About the Oscar for Best Documentary

This award is one of the many Oscars given out every year. The Oscars are famous awards for movies. Winning an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature means a film is considered the best true-story movie of the year.

What is a Documentary Film?

A documentary film is a movie that shows real life. It tells a true story about real people, events, or places. Documentaries are different from fiction movies, which tell made-up stories. They often aim to teach, inform, or explore important topics.

History of the Award

The Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature started in 1942. In the first year, there was one category for documentaries. Four films won the award that year. These films were:

• The Battle of Midway
• Kokoda Front Line!
• Moscow Strikes Back
• Prelude to War

From 1943, the Academy split the documentary awards into two groups. One was for longer films (features) and one was for shorter films (short films). This made sure that both types of documentaries could be recognized.

Notable Winners Through the Years

Over the years, many amazing documentaries have won this award. These films have covered a wide range of topics. They have shown us different parts of history, nature, and human experiences.

In the 1940s, films often focused on World War II. For example, Desert Victory won in 1943. It showed the fight in North Africa.

The 1950s saw more films about nature and exploration. The Living Desert won in 1953. It explored the animals and plants of the desert. In 1956, The Silent World won. This film took viewers underwater to see ocean life.

In the 1960s, documentaries started to look at social issues. The War Game won in 1966. It showed what might happen after a nuclear attack. The Anderson Platoon won in 1967. It followed a group of American soldiers in Vietnam.

The 1970s brought more films about important events and people. Woodstock won in 1970. It captured the famous music festival. Hearts and Minds won in 1974. It looked at the Vietnam War.

In the 1980s, films continued to explore social topics. From Mao to Mozart: Isaac Stern in China won in 1980. It showed a famous musician visiting China. The Times of Harvey Milk won in 1984. It told the story of a politician who fought for rights.

The 1990s featured films about history and personal stories. American Dream won in 1990. It was about a workers' strike. Anne Frank Remembered won in 1995. It told the story of Anne Frank. When We Were Kings won in 1996. It was about a famous boxing match.

The 2000s saw documentaries become even more popular. Bowling for Columbine won in 2002. It looked at gun violence in America. The Fog of War won in 2003. It was about a former U.S. Secretary of Defense. In 2005, March of the Penguins won. This film showed the journey of emperor penguins. An Inconvenient Truth won in 2006. It discussed climate change. The Cove won in 2009. It highlighted dolphin hunting.

In the 2010s, films continued to cover a wide range of topics. Inside Job won in 2010. It explained the 2008 financial crisis. Undefeated won in 2011. It followed a high school football team.

These films show how documentaries can inform and inspire audiences. They help us understand the world better.

See also

In Spanish: Anexo:Óscar al mejor largometraje documental para niños