The 54th Grierson British Documentary Awards were handed out in London on November 10 during a ceremony hosted by comedian Nish Kumar and attended by leading filmmakers, producers and executives from Britain and around the world.
The BBC picked up four awards, with Netflix winning three awards, and Channel 4 and Sky Documentaries both winning two awards. ITV, National Geographic, Olympics.com and S4C each won in one category.
“This year’s award winners span forensic investigations into the Grenfell disaster, the conflict in Gaza, the brutality of the US justice system and the most prolific serial abuser associated with the Church of England,” write organisers. “Alongside these are an uplifting tale of the power of sport to unite a community in Afghanistan, a moving examination of climate change through the lens of an unlikely relationship between a man and a stork, and a heartwarming and humorous look at overcoming obstacles to intimacy. Other winning films examine the huge emotional and personal challenges of a leading surgeon’s extraordinary job, and an intimate and moving portrait of wartime Britain through the eyes of those who lived through it as children.”
Among the winning documentaries, six were directed by women, eight by men, and two by female-male co-directing teams.
The 2026 BBC Grierson Trustees’ Award was presented to Anna Godas, CEO and co-founder of documentary film company Dogwoof, in recognition of the role she has played for more than 20 years in securing financial backing for multiple critically acclaimed documentaries which have played to audiences worldwide.
Tom McDonald, Chair of the Grierson Trust commented: “This year’s Grierson Awards highlight the continued power of documentaries to investigate injustice, reflect the world around us and explore issues with a fresh eye. As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of John Grierson first coining the word “documentary,” the talented filmmakers we celebrate this evening are a testament to the creativity, ingenuity and determination that – despite a challenging landscape – proves that the genre continues to innovate and is still in rude health.”
2026 54TH GRIERSON BRITISH DOCUMENTARY AWARDS WINNERS
- ENVY BEST SINGLE DOCUMENTARY – DOMESTIC Winner: Grenfell: Uncovered. Production Team: Netflix, Rogan Productions – Netflix. Jury citation: One of the most gripping, vital and urgent films seen in a long time, the jurors were astounded by the access, meticulous research and obvious contributor care in this documentary. Cataloguing a chain reaction of failures with clarity and rigour, this is a masterclass in structure. Propulsion and drive were perfectly balanced with emotion to create an intelligent, definitive document of a tragic event.
- BROADCAST INTERNATIONAL BEST SINGLE DOCUMENTARY – INTERNATIONAL Winner: The Perfect Neighbor by Geeta Gandbhir, Alisa Payne, Nikon Kwantu, Sam Bisbee. Production Team: Netflix, Message Pictures, SO’B Productions, Park Pictures – Netflix. Citation: The jury praised this documentary as a courageous and innovative film that uses a single harrowing incident to expose the wider realities of systemic oppression and racial violence. They were deeply impressed by its authenticity and cinematic craft, as well as the sensitivity with which such a painful story was told and the exceptional care shown towards those who took part. A truly remarkable achievement.
- TELEVISUAL BEST CURRENT AFFAIRS DOCUMENTARY Winner: Breaking Ranks: Inside Israel’s War by Benjamin Zand, Josh Reynolds, Maya Rostowska, Matan Cohen, Tom Giles. Production Team: Zandland – ITV1/ITVX. Citation: The jury described this film as a powerful and important piece of journalism with extraordinary and revelatory access. They were impressed by its sensitive handling of shocking material while managing to also offer a nuanced perspective. An essential story expertly told.
- BLEEDING FINGERS BEST ARTS AND MUSIC DOCUMENTARY Winner: Songs from the Hole by Contessa Gayles, James “JJ’88” Jacobs, Richie Reseda, David Felix Sutcliffe. Production Team: Netflix, Cocomotion Pictures, Question Culture in association with Impact Partners and Artemis Rising Foundation – Netflix. Jurors praised this film’s astounding access and exceptional creative execution. Citation: The documentary’s narrative, pace and style were described as rich and distinctive – weaving in moral questions with an immersive, unique approach that was utterly compelling – telling one person’s story in a way that illuminates a world of systemic failures. A film about art that became art in and of itself.
- BEST SPORTS DOCUMENTARY Winner: Champions of the Golden Valley by Ben Sturgulewski, Katie Stjernholm, Yiannis Exarchos, Baktash Ahadi, JT Taylor, Justin Lacob. Production Team: Olympic Channel, XTR Studios, Sturgefilm, Tideshift, Optimist, Taleem – olympics.com. Citation: This is a one-of-a-kind sports documentary that takes audiences on a visually stunning and profoundly emotional journey. The jury was captivated by its striking cinematography, sweeping score and, most importantly, its uplifting story of a remote community brought together by a sport. A truly life-affirming film about hope and resilience found in the most difficult of circumstances.
- BEST HISTORY DOCUMENTARY Winner: Children of the Blitz by Jack Warrender, Sophie Jones, Morgan Matthews, George Grafton, Sonia Khan, Anna Price. Production Team: Minnow Films – BBC. Jury citation: Entrusted to those who lived through it, this profoundly moving collection of testimonies offers a fresh and deeply personal perspective on a well-documented moment in history. The jury was struck by the honesty and vividness of these regional life stories, and by the thoughtful way in which they are brought together through beautiful graphics, archive material and striking images of the cities as they look today. Both engrossing and historically significant, this is a compelling film that brings the past vividly to life, offering a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving these voices and experiences for future generations.
- BEST SCIENCE AND NATURAL HISTORY DOCUMENTARY Winner: Confessions of a Brain Surgeon by Harriet Bird, Charlie Russell, Dov Freedman, Freddie Lange-Hewlett, Yasmin Heidary-Milic, William Grayburn. Production Team: Curious Films – BBC. Jury citation: Both original and informative, this documentary unpacked complex themes with nuance and sensitivity. The jurors praised the quiet confidence of the film, which was beautifully shot, superbly cast and deftly handled. An intelligent, assured and insightful portrait of a character that contains multitudes.
- BEST CRIME AND JUSTICE DOCUMENTARY Winner: The Alabama Solution by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman. Production Team: HBO Documentary Films, Hit The Ground Running – Sky Documentaries. Jury citation: A standout piece of filmmaking which involved significant risk for the contributors involved and thoughtful, robust duty of care from the filmmakers as a result. This is an intimate, impeccable, passionate investigative documentary which over the course of its runtime reveals its superlative ambition and the unfathomable injustice it exposes.
- MOST ENTERTAINING DOCUMENTARY Winner: Miriam Margolyes Made Me Me by Simon Draper, Gwyn Jones, Lana Salah. Production Team: Rex TV – BBC. Jury citation: Emotional engagement, humour, insight and depth were present throughout this totally surprising, intimate and profound documentary. Jurors were taken in by the revelatory nature of the narrative and the relationship between filmmaker and subject that allowed for honesty, rawness and vulnerability.
- NETFLIX BEST DOCUMENTARY SERIES Winner: See No Evil. Production Team: Passion Pictures – Channel 4. Jury citation: This documentary series took accountability to another level. Delivered with simplicity and sensitivity, the series seamlessly weaved together archive, interviews and reconstruction to deliver a powerful, emotional story. Jurors lauded the duty of care, access and interview technique evident on screen throughout.
- CHANNEL 4 BEST CONSTRUCTED AND FORMATTED DOCUMENTARY SERIES Winner: Virgin Island. Production Team: Double Act – Channel 4. Jury citation: Tackling taboos head-on, the jury was surprised and moved by this series’ intimacy and depth. Beneath its provocative subject matter is a deeply compassionate collection of stories about overcoming shame, isolation and low self-esteem with the potential for real world positive impact.
- SKY DOCUMENTARIES BEST CINEMA DOCUMENTARY Winner: The Tale of Silyan by Tamara Kotevska. Production Team: Concordia Studio, The Corner Shop, Ciconia Film – National Geographic. Jury citation: The originality and visual splendour of this documentary had the jury members dazzled. Artfully and tenderly exploring the relationship between humans and nature, its extraordinary subjects bring levity and joy to dire circumstances. This film is a beautifully shot fable that’s as enchanting as it is politically charged. It is pure cinema.
- BANIJAY UK BEST STUDENT DOCUMENTARY Winner: In the Name of Mother by Sahil Saxena, Densu Moseti, Ronak Kotian, Filip Badiar, Jacob Stone, Sriramachandhran A. Production Team: National Film and Television School. Jury citation: The jury applauded the ambition of this project: its subtlety, scope and beautiful cinematography and sound design. It is an exceptionally well crafted, intelligent and unexpected film that signals the arrival of an exciting new talent.
- ANALOGUE BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT Winner: Children No More: Were and are Gone by Hilla Medalia, Sheila Nevins, Yael Melamede, Siobhan Sinnerton, Vesna Cudic. Production Team: Medalia Productions, SALTY Features, Full Story Films – Sky Documentaries. Jury citation: An important and arresting story told with restraint and sensitivity which the jury lauded for its emotional power and for the bravery of the filmmakers who placed themselves in a dangerous position. Exceptionally crafted for maximum impact, this is a crucial film about resistance to injustice.
- BEST DIGITAL DOCUMENTARY Winner: Barcud by Guto Rhun, Branwen Thomas, Joseff Morgan, Tobias May, Zahra Errami, Elin Howells. Production Team: ITV Cymru Wales – S4C. Jury citation: A touching and tender portrait, this film impressed the jury with its rule-breaking approach to the digital form, its authenticity and its rawness. It was commended for access to an underseen world, beautiful cinematography and a compelling subject.
- BEST DOCUMENTARY PRESENTER Winner: Hamza Yassin for Hamza’s Hidden Wild Isles by Laura Howard, Hamza Yassin, Siobhan Brook, Philippa Edwards, Alastair Fothergill, Loz Whitaker. Production Team: Silverback Films, The Open University – BBC. Jury citation: Jurors were utterly charmed by Hamza Yassin, a warm and engaging presence who is completely himself in front of the camera. His passion and energy are infectious and an inspiration to the next generation.
- BBC GRIERSON TRUSTEES’ AWARD Winner: Anna Godas. Citaion: The Trustees Award recognises the role Godas has played as the driving force in developing new routes to finance and market for independent documentary, connecting filmmakers with international buyers, distributors and production partners. By expanding Dogwoof beyond traditional UK distribution, she has helped create opportunities for ambitious documentaries to secure backing and reach global audiences, while strengthening the UK’s position within the international documentary sector.
