Judging process

The Grierson Awards employ a two-stage judging process. Every entry will be reviewed by three members of, or advisors to, The Grierson Trust. From the whole entry a shortlist of eight from each category will be drawn up; then these shortlisted films or presenters will be judged by juries comprising five people, mainly drawn from documentary makers, broadcasters, critics and subject experts. They will decide on the final four nominations, including the winner, in each category.

The judges will be looking for evidence of quality, integrity, creativity, originality and overall excellence. From this year entrants will have to provide a statement on diversity and inclusion which will be taken into consideration by the reviewers and judges. You can find more information about this on the How to Enter and Entry Form Page.

Entrants who are shortlisted or nominated for a Grierson award will be informed by email. Nominated entrants will be asked to provide still images from their films and access to a high-quality master. See Terms and Conditions for more information.

The full shortlist will be published on The Grierson Trust website on 23 July; the nominations by 21 September; and the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony. The Grierson Trust chooses the recipient of the Trustees’ Award at its discretion.