The Act of Killing has lost out in the best documentary category at the 86th Academy Awards to backing-singer study 20 Feet from Stardom.

Directed by Joshua Oppenheimer, The Act of Killing is a searing insight into the gruesome anti-communist massacres in 1960s Indonesia, including extensive interviews with and reenactments by the actual perpetrators. Produced by, among others, Werner Herzog and Errol Morris, the film had attracted both hostility and praise, and already won a string of awards including the Bafta for best documentary.

The Academy Awards are taking place at the Dolby theatre in Los Angeles, and are being hosted by Ellen DeGeneres.

• Xan Brooks liveblogs the ceremony

• Full list of winners as they're announced