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.

Grierson 2021: the British Documentary Awards

The 2021 Grierson Awards are now open for entries, find out how to enter. Entries close Friday, 28 May 2021.

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.