Oscar Nominees We're Rooting For

The Oscar nominations are in, and it has been an extraordinary year for BGDM members. Seeing our community’s work recognized on this stage is an honor, not only for the accolades themselves but for the stories being elevated. These nominations amplify narratives with real cultural impact and affirm the power of truthful, community-rooted storytelling. We are deeply proud of the Mafiosxs whose projects are being seen, discussed and celebrated at this level.

It is an especially meaningful moment for Geeta Gandbhir, whose work is represented twice on this year’s nominations list with The Perfect Neighbor and The Devil Is Busy.

As we count down to Oscar night on March 15, we will be rooting hard for a BGDM win. No matter the outcome, it is a privilege to call these filmmakers Mafiosxs and to witness the impact they continue to make.

Below are the Oscar-nominated films worked on by BGDM members plus the Mafiosxs who helped bring the projects to life.

Documentary Feature Film Nominees

Come See Me in the Good Light

Editor: Berenice Chavez

Facing an incurable diagnosis, two poet lovers embark on a poignant yet unexpectedly humorous exploration of love, mortality, and life's moments.

Cutting Through Rocks

Director, Producer and Editor: Sara Khaki

First female councilor in her Iranian village, Sara Shahverdi challenges tradition by teaching girls to ride motorcycles and fighting child marriage, while facing doubts about her motives.

The Perfect Neighbor

Director/Producer: Geeta Gandbhir, Executive Producer: Rose Arce, Producer: Alisa Payne

A minor disagreement between neighbors in Florida takes a lethal turn, with police body camera footage and interviews probing the aftermath of the state's controversial stand-your-ground laws.

Documentary Short Film Nominees

All the Empty Rooms

Executive Producer: Claire Aguilar, Executive Producer: Lisa Cortés, Sound Mixer: Avantika Nimbalker, Sound Mixer: Emily String

News correspondent Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp embark on a multi-year journey documenting the empty bedrooms of children lost to school shootings, laying bare the realities of forgotten families grappling with grief and loss.

Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud

Editor: Jean Tsien

An intimate chronicle about documentary filmmaker Brent Renaud, the first American journalist killed while reporting on the Russo-Ukrainian War.

The Devil Is Busy

Co-Director and Producer: Christalyn Hampton, Co-Director: Geeta Gandbhir, Producer: Amber Fares, Producer: Rose Arce, Associate Producer: Amari Rose Leigh, Audio Supervisor: Jessica Jones, Production Assistant: Neema Griffin

At an Atlanta abortion clinic besieged by protesters, the director of operations, Tracy, takes necessary risks to safeguard staff and patients.