The Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film, introduced in 1942 at the 14th Academy Awards, is presented annually for the best achievement in filmmaking of a short documentary film from the previous year.
The Academy defines short as being "not more than 40 minutes, including all credits." At the 15th Academy Awards, no distinction was made between features and shorts. The eligibility period of this award differs from most others, typically spanning from October of the previous year to September of the award year. All other awards only consider films released between January and December of the award year.
Sorted Chronologically by Awards Year. Winners in BOLD. Acceptance speech linked in Notes (where available).
UPDATED: May 2026
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AWARD RECORDS:
Most Awards: Charles Guggenheim (3)
Most Nominations: Charles Guggenheim (9)
Most Nominations Without a Win: Freida Lee Mock (8)
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CATEGORY NAME HISTORY:
1942–2022: Documentary (Short Subject)
2023–Present: Documentary Short Film
