Cashing Out, a documentary from New York-based filmmaker Matt Nadel that tells the stories of three people who had a direct link to the viatical settlement industry in the US in the 1980s and 1990s – the beginnings of the industry that has evolved into what is now the life settlement market – has been shortlisted in the Best Documentary Short Film category at the upcoming 98th annual Academy Awards.
Viatical settlements arose in the 1980s as a vehicle to offer financial relief to AIDS patients who had lost income or required funds for end-of-life care. Life insurance policyholders could sell their policies to investors for an immediate cash payment, while investors took over premium payments and received the death benefit upon the insured’s passing. This arrangement provided much-needed financial relief to those with terminal illnesses and created new opportunities for investors.
Washington, D.C-based industry group the Life Insurance Settlement Association (LISA) provided funding for Cashing Out.
“LISA is proud to support the documentary ‘Cashing Out’ because we believe it will bring much-needed awareness to the life settlement industry,” said Bryan Nicholson, Executive Director at LISA.
“This film shines a light on the real, meaningful impact life settlements can have on people’s lives; whether that was an AIDS patient in the 1980s trying to afford end-of-life care or a senior today who desires to retire with dignity. Life settlements can change people’s lives for the better and it’s important that more people know this option exists.”
The next step in determining the winner is the voting process to determine the five nominees from the 15-strong shortlist. Voters must watch all fifteen shortlisted films and voting takes place from January 12–16, 2026.
The five official nominees will be revealed on Thursday, January 22, 2026 and the 98th Academy Awards are scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026.