Definition:

This terminology is used to indicate that a feature length or short documentary has qualified for considerstion and has been selected for consideration for nomination for an Academy Award for Best Feature Length Documentary or Best Documentary Short. Each year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences usually "shortlists" fifteen feature length documentaries for consideration for the Best Documentary Oscar.

Of these, five will actually be honored with the nomination. And, of course, there's only one winner. But, the "shortlisting" of the documentary is the first step on the journey to collecting that coveted Golden Statuette.

The term "shortlist" may also be used by other documentary awards organizations, including the Cinema Eye Honors.

Also Known As: shortlist, shortlisted, shortlisting

Alternate Spellings: short list

Examples: Each year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences "shortlists" fifteen feature length documentaries for consideration for nomination for the annual Oscar for Best Feature Length Documentary.