Judging process

The Grierson Awards employ a two-stage judging process. Every entry will be reviewed by a minimum of 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 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. They will also consider the steps taken by producers to ensure the best diversity and inclusion practices, as this is key to the integrity and quality of any documentary. Entrants to all but the Best Student Documentary category have to provide a statement on diversity and inclusion. You can find more information about this on the How to Enter and Entry Form pages.

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

The full shortlist will be published on The Grierson Trust website on 22 July; the nominations by 20 September; and the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 10 November. The Grierson Trust chooses the recipient of the Trustees’ Award and Hero of the Year Award at its discretion.