Grierson 2010 is open to documentaries made anywhere in the world.

All entries must have had their first UK screening between 1 May 2009 and 30 April 2010. In the case of entries into the UK Film Council Best Cinema Documentary category, the film must have had its first theatrical screening within the qualifying period.

Shell International Best Documentary on a Contemporary Issue

A single documentary, or an episode from a strand or series, which reflects the Grierson tradition of social or political documentary on a contemporary theme.

Best Documentary on the Arts

A single documentary, or an episode from a strand or series, on an arts subject.

History Today Best Historical Documentary

A single documentary, or an episode from a strand or series, on a historical subject.

Best Science Documentary

A single documentary, or an episode from a strand or series, which addresses any aspect of science, including natural history, the environment, health and medicine.

Most Entertaining Documentary

A single documentary or an episode from a strand or series which brings style, elegance, wit or irony to its subject, however weighty. Entries can be on any subject and in any format, including factual and reality based programmes.

Best Drama Documentary

A documentary or factual drama that exclusively or predominantly uses drama to illustrate real events, historical or contemporary, based on factual evidence.

Envy Best Documentary Series

A finite series with a single overall theme, planned by an individual or a team. *
*Entrants must provide two episodes from the series along with short synopses of each of the episodes in the series.

Best Cinema Documentary

A documentary that has had a UK theatrical release within the qualifying period.

Best Newcomer

The first documentary from a new director to receive a public screening or broadcast. The entrant may have worked in other areas of the industry in any capacity other than sole director, or may have directed work that has not received a public screening or transmission.**
**This award includes a £3,000 cash prize for the winner. All entries must be supported by a CV or résumé, which includes all previous production credits, and the names of two referees.

The Trustees' Award

The Grierson Trust may also present The Trustees’ Award, which recognises an outstanding contribution to the art or craft of the documentary. The recipient of this award is chosen solely by the Grierson Trust at its discretion.