Critics Choice Association Unveils Nominees for 10th Annual Documentary Awards
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) has officially announced the nominees for its 10th annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards, a prestigious event that celebrates the finest achievements in documentary filmmaking. Leading the nominations are Neon’s “Orwell: 2+2=5” and Netflix’s “The Perfect Neighbor,” with seven and six nominations respectively, including a coveted nod for Best Documentary Feature.
Gala Event Scheduled for November 9, 2025
The winners will be revealed during a gala event set to take place on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at The Edison Ballroom in Manhattan. This milestone celebration will be hosted by Aasif Mandvi, an award-winning actor, writer, and producer known for his engaging storytelling and comedic flair. The event is expected to attract a diverse array of filmmakers, industry professionals, and special guests, all coming together to honor excellence in documentary filmmaking.
Honoring Legends in the Field
In addition to the nominees, the CCA has announced that legendary documentarian Ken Burns will receive the Critics Choice Impact Award. This prestigious accolade will be presented by acclaimed actress Christine Baranski. Furthermore, the visionary filmmakers behind “Folktales,” Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, will be honored with the CCA’s Pennebaker Award, previously known as the Critics Choice Lifetime Achievement Award. This award will be presented to them by Chris Hegedus, the widow and collaborator of the late D.A. Pennebaker, a pioneer in documentary filmmaking.
The Importance of Documentary Storytelling
The Critics Choice Documentary Awards aim to recognize the year’s most significant contributions to the genre, encompassing films released in theaters, on television, and across major digital platforms. The nominations are determined by the votes of qualified CCA members who possess expertise in the documentary field. Bob Bain of Bob Bain Productions and Joey Berlin of Berlin Entertainment are producing this year’s ceremony.
Christopher Campbell, the CCA’s Vice President of Documentary, expressed the importance of the nominated films and series, stating, “They remind us how documentary storytelling can illuminate truth, inspire empathy, and deepen our understanding of the world. We’re thrilled to recognize the filmmakers whose vision and dedication keep the art form evolving.”
A Closer Look at the Nominations
The nominations span various categories, showcasing a wide range of topics and storytelling styles. Below is a detailed look at some of the key categories and their nominees.
Best Documentary Feature
- “2000 Meters to Andriivka” (Frontline Features / The Associated Press)
- “The Alabama Solution” (HBO Max)
- “Apocalypse in the Tropics” (Netflix)
- “Cover-Up” (Netflix)
- “Deaf President Now!” (Apple TV)
- “Orwell: 2+2=5” (Neon)
- “Pee-wee as Himself” (HBO Max)
- “The Perfect Neighbor” (Netflix)
- “Riefenstahl” (Kino Lorber)
- “The Tale of Silyan” (National Geographic)
Best Director
- Mstyslav Chernov – “2000 Meters to Andriivka” (Frontline Features / The Associated Press)
- Petra Costa – “Apocalypse in the Tropics” (Netflix)
- Nyle DiMarco and Davis Guggenheim – “Deaf President Now!” (Apple TV)
- Geeta Gandbhir – “The Perfect Neighbor” (Netflix)
- Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman – “The Alabama Solution” (HBO Max)
- Raoul Peck – “Orwell: 2+2=5” (Neon)
Best First Documentary Feature
- “Art for Everybody” (Tremolo Productions)
- “Grand Theft Hamlet” (Mubi)
- “My Mom Jayne: A Film by Mariska Hargitay” (HBO Max)
- “Seeds” (Interior Films)
- “Stiller and Meara: Nothing is Lost” (Apple TV)
- “Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror” (Margot Station)
Additional Categories
The awards also feature categories for Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Score, and Best Narration, among others. Each category highlights the diverse talents and innovative approaches that filmmakers bring to the documentary genre.
For instance, the Best Cinematography nominees include:
- Ben Bernard – “Architecton” (A24)
- Jean Dakar – “The Tale of Silyan” (National Geographic)
- Elizabeth Lo – “Mistress Dispeller” (Oscilloscope)
- Lars Erlend Tubaas Øymo and Tor Edvin Eliassen – “Folktales” (Magnolia Pictures)
- Brittany Shyne – “Seeds” (Interior Films)
- Toby Strong, Doug Anderson (Underwater Photography) – “Ocean with David Attenborough” (National Geographic)
The Evolution of Documentary Filmmaking
The Critics Choice Documentary Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also reflect the evolving landscape of documentary filmmaking. In recent years, the genre has gained significant traction, with streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu investing heavily in original documentary content. This shift has allowed for a broader range of stories to be told, reaching diverse audiences worldwide.
Documentaries have become a vital medium for exploring pressing social issues, historical events, and personal narratives. The rise of digital platforms has democratized access to documentary films, enabling filmmakers to share their work with a global audience.
Conclusion
As the documentary genre continues to evolve, the Critics Choice Documentary Awards serve as a crucial platform for recognizing the hard work and creativity of filmmakers. The upcoming gala promises to be a night of celebration, honoring the stories that challenge perceptions and inspire change. With a diverse array of nominees and special awards, the event underscores the importance of documentary storytelling in today’s world. The CCA’s commitment to highlighting these achievements ensures that the art of documentary filmmaking remains vibrant and impactful for years to come.
