Filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir creates Oscar history with dual documentary nominations

Filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir has made history with two Academy Award nominations in the documentary categories this year, becoming the first woman to achieve this feat. She is nominated for Best Documentary Feature for her work on "The First Wave" and for Best Documentary Short Subject for "When We Were Bullies."

The dual nominations mark a significant milestone for Gandbhir, who has built a career highlighting underrepresented stories. "The First Wave" follows frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, while "When We Were Bullies" revisits a childhood bullying incident from the 1960s.

Gandbhir's nominations come as the Academy continues to diversify its membership and recognize a broader range of voices. She is among several Indian and Indian American filmmakers nominated this year, reflecting the growing global reach of the film industry.

The 94th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 27, where Gandbhir will compete for both honors. Her historic achievement has been celebrated by peers and industry observers as a step forward for representation in documentary filmmaking.