About the Grierson Awards

The Grierson Awards, also known at The British Documentary Awards, commemorate the pioneering Scottish documentary filmmaker John Grierson (1898 – 1972), famous for Drifters and Night Mail and the man widely regarded as the father of the documentary.

Established in 1972, the Griersons are the biggest event in the UK documentary calendar. The awards recognise and celebrate documentaries from Britain and abroad that have made a significant contribution to the genre and that demonstrate quality, integrity, creativity, originality and overall excellence.

2020 Grierson Awards

We are officially closed for entries for the 2020 British Documentary Awards. Thank you to all who entered! After a 15.5% increase on submissions from last year, see which films made the shortlist.

Our industry judges are now attentively watching all entries ready for us to announce the nominations on Monday 21 September.

The Grierson Awards ceremony will take place on the evening of 10 November 2020 if developments around COVID-19 allow it. An online event is also being planned, with further details to be announced.

Awards Trophies

Duplicates of the Grierson Award trophy may be purchased by winning programme makers and broadcasters at £250 each (+ VAT and P&P); duplicates of certificates for winning and nominated films may be purchased at £30 each (+ VAT). Download an order form here.