Shortlist for the Griersons 2011 is announced

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The official build up the 2011 Griersons begins as The Grierson Trust announces the shortlist for the annual British Documentary Awards.

The BBC leads the way with almost 40 nominations, dominating the line-up particularly in both Arts and Science categories, however, 2011 sees a wider spread of broadcasters entering the fray with films from ITV, Current TV, Al Jazeera and Sky all represented.

ITV1’s hit series Wormwood Scrubs is shortlisted in two categories (Deluxe 142 Best Documentary on a Contemporary Theme – Domestic and Envy Best Documentary Series), Al Jazeera’s Tunisia – Death of Fear features on the Shell Best Documentary on a Contemporary Theme – International list and Sky 1 HD fronts up in the Current Most Entertaining category with An Idiot Abroad – China. BBC Three also gets its first ever shortlist place with My Brother the Islamist alongside Current TV’s Britain’s Weird and Wonderful Political Parties in the CTVC Best Newcomer category.

For the first time, six productions are shortlisted in multiple categories as Shed Your Tears and Walk Away (theatric release), Donor Unknown (theatric release), The War You Don’t See (theatric release), Agony and Ecstasy: A Year With English National Ballet (BBC Four) and Polar Bear – Spy on the Ice (BBC One), join Wormwood Scrubs with the honour of being shortlisted in two categories.

Meanwhile luminaries such as John Pilger, Adam Wishart and John Bridcut are featured whilst nine students fight it out in the inaugural Best Student Documentary award.

Considered as the Oscars of the documentary world, winning a Grierson carries prestige and allure for factual film makers from across the globe. The final nominations will be announced in September prior to the star-studded award ceremony at BFI Southbank on November 1, 2011.

The Grierson Awards commemorate the work of pioneering Scottish film maker John Grierson (1898 – 1972), famous for making Drifters and his association with Night Mail – the man widely regarded as the father of the documentary. Established in 1972, the Griersons annually celebrate documentaries that have made a significant contribution to the form. The list of past winners – which includes Penny Woolcock, Norma Percy, Molly Dineen, Nick Broomfield, Kim Longinotto, Paul Watson, Angus Macqueen and Pawel Pawlikowski - is testament to the high standard of work which is celebrated through these awards. They are the ultimate UK prizes for documentary film makers from across the globe.

The Grierson Trust is generously supported by Shell International, Deluxe 142, ITN Source, CTVC, Current TV, ENVY and the British Council.

Read the full shortlist