Music Docs About Jon Batiste, Joan Baez, Little Richard & More Eligible for 2024 Best Documentary Feature Film Oscar

At least 15 music docs are among 167 features that are eligible for consideration in the documentary feature film category at the 2024 Oscars. These include films that tell the stories of such varied musicians as Jon Batiste, Carlos Santana, Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd, Joan Baez, Little Richard, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Thelonious Monk and Blood, Sweat & Tears.

Members of the documentary branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences will vote to determine the shortlist and, later, the nominees in this category. The shortlist of 15 films will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 21.

The Academy notes that some of the eligible films in this category have not yet had their required qualifying release and must fulfill that requirement and comply with all the category’s other qualifying rules to advance in the voting process.

Films submitted in the documentary feature film category may also qualify for Academy Awards in other categories, including best picture. Documentary features that have been submitted in the international feature film category as their country’s official selection are also eligible in this category. 

The Academy also released lists of eligible films in two other categories on Thursday (Dec. 7). A total of 33 features are eligible in the animated feature film category. Eighty-eight countries or regions have submitted films that are eligible in the international feature film category. (A shortlist of 15 films will also be announced in that category on Dec. 21.)

Nominations for the 96th Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, Jan. 23. The 96th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 10, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide. Jimmy Kimmel is hosting.

Here are 15 notable music docs that are vying for a spot on the shortlist in the documentary feature film category. They are listed in alphabetical order.