The Grierson Awards employ a two-stage judging process. Every entry will be reviewed by three members of, or advisors to, The Grierson Trust. From the whole entry a shortlist of around eight films from each category will be drawn up. These shortlisted films will then be judged by juries comprising five people, mainly drawn from documentary makers, broadcasters, critics and subject experts. They will decide on the final four nominations, including the winner, in each category.

The judges will be looking for evidence of quality, integrity, creativity, originality and overall excellence.