Best Documentary

This was a huge year for documentaries with some fantastic picks.

“The Act of Killing” is an almost indescribable film about the perpetrators of the Indonesian death squads of the 1960s (who are hailed as heroes in their country.) “Cutie and the Boxer” is a remarkable story about old, poor artists living in New York City. “Dirty Wars” is another leftwing jeremiad about how America is the Great Satan. “The Square” is a from-the-field look at the Arab Spring in Egypt.

But the winner went to the good-but-not-great look at backup singers called “20 Feet From Stardom.” It’s a feel-good movie, and it is quite enjoyable. But it is ephemeral. I don’t think people will remember it by next year, unlike the other picks, but that’s showbiz.

Darlene Love blew out the audio levels as she picked up the award, bringing the audience to their feet. I think they were happy for an excuse to move their legs a bit – things were getting a little boring.