The Grierson Trust has opened entries to the 2026 British Documentary Awards.
The Trust has refreshed the categories this year, with the addition of Best Digital Documentary and the return of two awards: Best Constructed and Formatted Documentary Series, and Most Entertaining Documentary.
Best Digital Documentary has been introduced to reflect the growth of documentaries being created for audiences accessing content primarily on digital platforms. The new category recognises the “expanding landscape of digital-first storytelling and will welcome new, fresh approaches from across the field.”
The Best Constructed and Formatted Documentary Series award is open to entries for an unscripted series, of two or more episodes, that examines the actions or behaviour of individuals within a created format or constructed environment. Judges will be looking for evidence of “quality, integrity, creativity, originality and overall excellence.” Scripted reality formats are not eligible.
The Most Entertaining Documentary award is open to entries for a single documentary or an episode from a strand or series that sets out primarily to entertain. Judges will be looking for “humour, wit, and elegance of style, as well as quality, integrity, creativity, originality and overall excellence.”
Sylvia Bednarz, Managing Director, the Grierson Trust said: “As we open entries for the 2026 Grierson Awards, we mark 100 years since the word ‘documentary’ was first used to describe a form of filmmaking that continues to evolve. A century on, documentary is more vital, more creative and more globally connected than ever, driven by filmmakers who challenge perspectives, uncover truth and tell stories that matter. At a time when the need for integrity, transparency and ethical storytelling has never been greater, the Grierson Awards remain committed to championing the filmmakers who uphold these values while pushing the form forward. We look forward to receiving this year’s entries and recognising the films and filmmakers who are setting the highest standards for the documentary form.”
Films should have had their first screening to UK audiences between 1 June 2025 and 31 May 2026 to be eligible. The closing date for entries is Friday 22 May. More information can be found at www.griersontrust.org/grierson-awards
The 2026 awards ceremony takes place on 10th November at the Roundhouse in Camden, London.
Jon Creamer
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