2025 Grierson British Documentary Awards winners announced

The Grierson Trust has announced the winners of the 2025 British Documentary Awards, held in association with All3Media. The ceremony, attended by leading filmmakers, producers, and executives from the UK and around the world, celebrated the best in documentary storytelling across broadcasters, streamers, and theatrical releases. This year, the BBC secured four awards, while Sky Documentaries followed closely with three, and Mubi with two. Channel 4, TNT, and RTÉ each received one. Notably, “Bibaa & Nicole: Murder in the Park”, produced by True Vision Productions for Sky Documentaries, won both Best Crime and Justice Documentary and the Netflix Best Documentary Series Award.

This year’s winners reflected a broad spectrum of themes and forms, ranging from landmark works on the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine and land rights in the occupied West Bank, to a powerful account of police misconduct following the tragic murders of two UK sisters. Additional winning projects explored lesser-known stories from England’s Rugby World Cup–winning squad, an intimate portrayal of an aging creative couple, a unique examination of postpartum mental health through the lens of witchcraft portrayals in Western culture, the courageous search of a teenage girl for her missing family, and the unconventional story of two actors performing Shakespeare inside the ultra-violent world of the video game Grand Theft Auto.

The 2025 BBC Grierson Trustees’ Award was presented to editor Rupert Houseman, recognised for the remarkable breadth, quality, and diversity of his work across decades, as well as his significant and sustained contribution to developing the next generation of editing talent. Chair of the Grierson Trust, Lorraine Heggessey, reflecting on her final year after over a decade in the role, praised the creative excellence of the nominees and winners. She highlighted the increasing diversity of backgrounds represented among filmmakers and the richness of stories and approaches to documentary made possible by that progress.

To begin with, the Envy Best Single Documentary – Domestic Award went to “Witches”, produced by Ardimages UK, Montgomery Avenue, Mubi, and Garden Studios for Mubi. The jury praised it for its originality, emotional depth, and inventive storytelling. By approaching a challenging and often overlooked subject through a deeply personal narrative voice, innovative archival use, and a striking visual style, the film emerges as a bold and genre-pushing work that lingers long after viewing.

Moving to the international category, “No Other Land”, produced by Antipode Films and Yabayay for Channel 4, received the Broadcast International Best Single Documentary – International Award. Jurors described it as a devastating, intimate, and sensitive portrayal of life amid crisis. Through extraordinary footage and a profoundly human central relationship, the documentary offers piercing insight into power, community, and storytelling within a divided landscape, resulting in a work that is both ethically resonant and unforgettable.

In the realm of current affairs, “Life and Death in Gaza”, produced by BBC Eye and BBC Storyville for the BBC, earned the Televisual Best Current Affairs Documentary Award. The jury commended its raw, unfiltered depiction of war and the human stories it contains. With unprecedented access and exceptional use of user-generated content, it delivers an immersive account of conflict that is powerful, insightful, and deeply human.

Turning to arts and music, “Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other”, created for theatrical release by Manon et Jacob, Final Cut for Real, Fremantle, and Louverture Films, received the Bleeding Fingers Best Arts and Music Documentary Award. Jurors highlighted its visually stunning and emotionally nuanced portrait of love, aging, and artistic identity. Its intimate, aesthetically precise storytelling distinguishes it as a rare and deeply affecting exploration of creative partnership.

In the crime and justice category, “Bibaa & Nicole: Murder in the Park” won its first award of the evening. Produced by True Vision Productions for Sky Documentaries, the film was recognised for its compassionate and impeccably executed examination of police incompetence and racial injustice. Through extraordinary access and deeply moving interviews, it constructs a humane, emotionally resonant narrative that exemplifies ethical, impactful documentary filmmaking.

The Best Sports Documentary Award went to “Unbreakable: England 2003”, produced by TNT Sports and Buzz 16 for TNT Sports. Jurors described it as a raw and profoundly personal look into a world of sport seldom seen. By addressing male vulnerability with honesty and emotional power, the film leaves a lasting impression on its viewers.

For Best History Documentary, “The Zelensky Story”, produced by 72 Films and the Open University for the BBC, was recognised for its clarity and emotional weight. By weaving exceptional archival material with a compelling central figure, the film provides a rich and enlightening perspective on contemporary geopolitical conflict.

In the field of science and natural history, “Britain’s Nuclear Bomb Scandal: Our Story”, produced by Hardcash Productions for the BBC, received the award. The jury emphasized its emotionally devastating yet compassionate exploration of post-colonialism, racism, disability, and systemic injustice. Its integrity and thoughtful storytelling make it a powerful call for change.

The Best Returning Documentary Series Award went to “Life and Death Row”, produced by BBC Studios Documentary Unit for the BBC. Jurors praised its phenomenal observational filmmaking, exceptional access, and emotionally impactful editing, describing it as a standout in long-form documentary narrative.

For popular culture, “Grand Theft Hamlet”, produced for Mubi by Rebecca Wolff and Julia Ton, earned the Channel 4 Best Popular Culture Documentary Award. Its bold, playful, and emotionally resonant approach captures themes of loneliness, creativity, and connection, shifting effortlessly between humour and poignancy.

The Netflix Best Documentary Series Award marked the second win of the night for “Bibaa & Nicole: Murder in the Park”. The jury praised the series for its restraint, balance, and emotional depth, as well as its victim-led approach and rigorous detail.

In cinema documentary, “Mediha”, produced by LoveWorld Media, Enderby Entertainment, Rhino Films, People in The Park, and Together Films, received the Sky Documentaries Best Cinema Documentary Award. Its raw, intimate storytelling and atmospheric design offer a deeply affecting cinematic experience.

The All3Media Best Student Documentary Award was presented to “Welcome Home Freckles”, created at the National Film and Television School. Jurors celebrated its mature, emotionally sophisticated portrayal of generational trauma, marked by exquisite cinematography and expert editing.

The Best Documentary Short Award went to “Chernobyl: My Promised Land”, produced by Story Films for Sky Documentaries. The jury highlighted its exceptional storytelling and strong sense of place, describing it as a masterclass in short-form documentary craft.

Finally, the Best Documentary Presenter Award was given to Blindboy Boatclub for “Blindboy: The Land of Slaves & Scholars”, produced by Connla’s Well Productions for RTÉ. Jurors praised the presenter’s poetic insight, authenticity, and ability to engage audiences with subjects they might not otherwise explore.