16 Biggest Oscar Upsets Of The 21st Century

3. Best Documentary Feature - 20 Feet From Stardom

Mystic River Oscar 2004
RADiUS-TWC

The Rightful Winner: The Act Of Killing

This is potentially the most baffling decision of them all, with a legitimately important piece of work being overlooked in favour of a lighthearted insight into the world of backing singers.

20 Feet From Stardom isn't bad, in fact, it's critically acclaimed but for it to beat out one of the most original examples of documentary filmmaking in decades defies explanation.

The Act Of Killing was a riveting exploration of what it is to be involved, or indeed, directly responsible for a mass loss of life. Bringing together people involved in the failed Indonesian coup of 1965-66, the filmmakers have them relive and reenact the events in the form of a scripted movie.

The Act Of Killing
Dogwoof Pictures/Drafthouse Films

What follows is a truly unique insight into the mindset of people that are, essentially, war criminals. Watching these people finally come to terms with their actions and the damage they have caused is equal parts fascinating and horrifying. This is documentary storytelling at its best, tackling challenging subject matter head on and posing questions that will stay with the audience long after the credits roll.

Somehow, it's exactly as twisted, bizarre and eye-opening as it sounds - none of which are criteria for an Oscar win it seems.

Contributor
Contributor

A pop culture mad writer from the North East who loves films, television and debating them with whoever will listen. Follow me on Twitter @Johno_Patterson