A24, known for its bold and unconventional film choices, seems to be charting an ambitious course for 'You Can See Everything.' The documentary, which premiered as a secret screening at Telluride 2026, has been shrouded in mystery, only amplifying its allure. According to a report by IndieWire, the studio is reportedly focusing its awards campaign on a Best Picture nod, a strategy that some speculate might be an attempt to bypass the Academy's often-unpredictable Documentary Branch, which has historically overlooked critically acclaimed films like 'Hoop Dreams' and 'Roger & Me' for top documentary honors.

However, the aspiration for a Best Picture nomination for a documentary is an uphill battle, primarily due to the Academy's voting structure. As IndieWire's Anne Thompson points out, documentaries often struggle to gain traction across the various Academy branches. The largest branch, Actors, typically favors scripted films where their peers are directly involved. While documentaries feature the work of producers, cinematographers, editors, and musicians, they rarely engage the vast acting community in the same way, making it difficult to garner widespread support.

Even the Directors and Writers branches present hurdles. Many prominent documentary filmmakers and writers are primarily members of the dedicated Documentary Branch, limiting their influence in advocating for non-fiction features within other categories. This isn't to say other branches ignore documentaries entirely, but members are naturally more inclined to vote for projects that align with their professional experiences and expertise in scripted cinema.

Despite the formidable odds for Best Picture, documentaries have found success in other categories. The Music Branch, for instance, has often recognized non-fiction films, with 'Sweet Dreams of Joy' from the 2025 documentary 'Viva Verdi!' being a recent example for Best Original Song. Furthermore, films like 'Collective' and 'Flee' have earned nominations for Best International Feature, a category open to all Academy voters who meet viewing requirements. 'Flee' even made history by also securing a Best Animated Feature nomination, tying the record for most Oscar nominations for a documentary.

Yet, a direct Best Picture campaign for a documentary has a challenging precedent. Michael Moore's Palme d'Or-winning 'Fahrenheit 9/11,' despite its critical acclaim and box office success, failed to secure a Best Picture nomination after opting out of the Best Documentary Feature race. Moreover, Nathan Fielder's previous critically lauded work, such as the Showtime series 'The Curse,' went largely unnoticed at the Emmys, suggesting that his unique brand of storytelling may not yet resonate broadly with industry awards voters.

While Oscar history suggests a difficult road ahead, 'You Can See Everything' is described as a cinematic experience unlike any other. If the film can defy expectations and secure a spot on the Best Documentary Feature shortlist in early December, it could signal a shift in momentum and give this unconventional contender a fighting chance to make history.