The Academy of motion Picture, Arts and Sciences announced the 15 films that will compete for the Best Documentary category.

Among the films was "Cartel Land," a film about the Mexican drug cartel and a look at the issues on the U.S.-Mexico border. The film premiered at the Sundance Film festival where it scored rave reviews and won the award for Best Cinematography as well as Best Director in the Documentary category. The documentary is seen as a front-runner as it already got nominated for the Gotham Award and was also nominated for the Satellite award.

In a film review, Latin Post stated, "'Cartel Land' is not a film for everyone and some of the imagery will weigh heavily on those who brave the experience."  

However, competition will be tough as it will have to compete with many great documentaries this year including "Amy," which was a box office success and was also among the most critically adored films of the year. Michael Moore's "Where to Invade Next" is also one of the front-runners especially after having made a splash in the festival circuit and obtaining universal praise.

"The Look of Silence" is another big contender especially after winning the Gotham and having also performed well at the box office. It also helps that Joshua Oppenheimer's last film "The Act of Killing" was so well regarded and almost won the Academy Award for Best Documentary.

Laurie Anderson's "Heart of a Dog" has also been well regarded throughout the year and is likely to be a nominee. The Sundance hit "Best of Enemies" also made the shortlist after performing well throughout the year and obtaining buzz.

Finally, "He named Me Malala" will get a strong push from Fox Searchlight, especially since it has gotten so much press out of the festival circuit.

The Academy Awards are sometimes unpredictable in this category especially with their nominees. However, the ultimate winner of the category will join past winners "Citizenfour," "20 Feet from Stardom" and "Searching for Sugarman."

List fo 15 shortlisted films

"Amy," On the Corner Films and Universal Music

"Best of Enemies," Sandbar

"Cartel Land," Our Time Projects and The Documentary Group

"Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief," Jigsaw Productions

"He Named Me Malala," Parkes-MacDonald and Little Room

"Heart of a Dog," Canal Street Communications

"The Hunting Ground," Chain Camera Pictures

"Listen to Me Marlon," Passion Pictures

"The Look of Silence," Final Cut for Real

"Meru," Little Monster Films

"3 1/2 Minutes, 10 Bullets," The Filmmaker Fund, Motto Pictures, Lakehouse Films, Actual Films, JustFilms, MacArthur Foundation and Bertha BRITDOC

"We Come as Friends," Adelante Films

"What Happened, Miss Simone?," RadicalMedia and Moxie Firecracker

"Where to Invade Next," Dog Eat Dog Productions

"Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom," Pray for Ukraine Productions