Deluxe 142 Best Documentary on a Contemporary Theme – Domestic

A single documentary, or an episode from a strand or series, which deals primarily with UK-based subject matter and which reflects the Grierson tradition of social or political documentary on a contemporary theme.

Shell Best Documentary on a Contemporary Theme – International

A single documentary, or an episode from a strand or series, which deals primarily with an international subject and which reflects the Grierson tradition of social or political documentary on a contemporary theme.

Bridgeman Art Library Best Documentary on the Arts

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

ITN Source Best Historical Documentary

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

Televisual 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.

Current 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.

ENVY Best Documentary Series

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

DocHouse and The Bertha Foundation Best Cinema Documentary

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

CTVC 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 contact details of two referees.

Sky Arts Best Student Documentary

Awarded to a student director for a film made during a UK-based, full-time academic course.
* This award includes a £3,000 cash prize for the winner. All entries must be supported by a description of the course and institution and the contact details of the course tutor.

Honda 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.