The high and mighty Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences strictly enforces a baroque set of regulations governing every aspect of its membership, the Oscars and all its endeavors--everything from assessing a film's elibility for awards consideration to determining what members can park their cars in which spots in the garage while they attend weekly film screenings at the organization's Beverly Hills theater.
For years, documentary filmmakers have complained about the eligibility requirements established for nonfiction films--requirements that have eliminated the possibility of nomination for a long list of first-rate and famous documentaries, including Grizzly Man, Hoop Dreams, Roger & Me, Shut Up & Sing, and The Thin Blue Line among others.
Academy response to the complaints has been slow and unsatisfactory. You can get a good idea of where things stand by reading John Anderson's excellent commentary in The Washington Post.
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