Documentary on Elizabeth Holmes Sparks Oscar Predictions and Branch Debate

Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim's documentary 'You Can See Everything' has emerged as a major talking point in the race for the Academy Awards. The film follows Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes during the 34 days before she reported to prison and beyond, sparking an explosive secret screening in Telluride. It beat DC's comic book adaptation 'Clayface' at the domestic box office after a close race.

Reception and Scores

The nonfiction project holds a record-setting 99 on Metacritic, 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, a 4.7 out of 5 on Letterboxd, and a 9.4 on IMDb. If the IMDb score holds, it would surpass 'The Shawshank Redemption' as the highest-rated movie of all time. However, history shows that box office popularity and high scores rarely help a documentary secure an Oscar nod. Past hits like Morgan Neville's Mister Rogers portrait 'Won't You Be My Neighbor?' grossed over $22 million in 2018 but failed to earn a nomination.

Oscar History

The documentary branch has a track record of overlooking massive popular hits, raising questions about whether 'You Can See Everything' will make the 15-film shortlist in December. Fielder also appears in the frame of the movie, which questions whether Holmes is being authentic or performing for the camera. For a branch that values a traditional fly-on-the-wall approach, this creative choice could present a hurdle. If the film is snubbed, it could become a rallying cry for the wider Academy membership on the best picture ballot, similar to Ben Affleck's directing omission for 'Argo'.

Key Dates

Meanwhile, the Governors Awards will hand out honorary Oscars to Glenn Close and Ridley Scott on Sunday, Nov. 15. Preliminary voting for the Oscars shortlist runs Dec. 7-11, with the shortlist announcement following on Tuesday, Dec. 15. Nominations voting will run Jan. 11-15, 2027, and official nominations will be announced on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027. The 99th Oscars take place on Sunday, March 14, 2027, hosted by Conan O'Brien.

Context

Academy Award branches often maintain distinct voting preferences that differ from mainstream audience reception and box office success. The documentary branch, in particular, has historically favored traditional investigative or observational styles over commercially driven or participatory nonfiction projects.