The 2027 Best Documentary Feature race remains wide open in early October, with trader consensus reflected in many outcomes priced near even money and no single frontrunner pulling ahead. Festival momentum from Sundance and other premieres has boosted titles like One in a Million, whose decade-spanning refugee portrait earned directing and audience awards, and American Doctor, which drew strong reviews for its on-the-ground Gaza coverage and October theatrical rollout. Once Upon a Time in Harlem and Nuisance Bear also appear on shortlists of contenders, while Musk and other buzzy projects face steeper paths. Documentary branch voters typically reward timely social-issue films and strong precursors, but the field stays fluid until the December shortlist and January nominations, leaving room for late surges or surprises.