And then there were eight. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has whittled the field of possible Oscar contenders in the documentary shorts category to eight films. The list was narrowed from 40 eligible entries, which voters in the Academy's Documentary Branch viewed. Three to five from this list will be nominated for the 86th Academy Awards.

The eight finalists are listed below:

CaveDigger, Karoffilms

Facing Fear, Jason Cohen Productions, LLC

Jujitsu-ing Reality, Sobini Films

Karama Has No Walls, Hot Spot Films

The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life, Reed Entertainment

Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall, Prison Terminal LLC

Recollections, notrac productions

SLOMO, Big Young Films and Runaway Films

The Academy Awards, honoring 2013 films will take place Sunday March 2 at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center.