The Grierson Trust has announced the winners of the 2024 British Documentary Awards in partnership with All3Media. The awards ceremony, hosted by actor and comedian Kerry Godliman, took place at the iconic Roundhouse in Camden, London. The event was attended by leading filmmakers, producers, and executives from Britain and around the world.
Channel 4 emerged as the top winner, securing five awards, while the BBC took home three, Netflix two, and Paramount+ one. Two documentaries won awards in multiple categories. "20 Days in Mariupol," a collaboration between FRONTLINE, PBS, and The Associated Press, received both the Best Current Affairs Documentary and Best Cinema Documentary awards. "Me and the Voice in My Head," produced by Hungry Bear Media for Channel 4, won the Best Single Documentary – Domestic, and Joe Tracini was honored as Best Documentary Presenter for his role in the same film.
The range of this year’s winning documentaries covered powerful themes, from the ongoing war in Ukraine and the personal journey of a Turkish singer fighting against femicide, to fresh perspectives on the history of racism in the United States. Other winning films delved into the challenges of living with a mental health condition, Muslim faith in contemporary Britain, the transformative power of sports, and a unique look at a Korean film club.
The 2024 awards also included a special recognition: the Grierson Trustees' Award, presented to Stacey Dooley for her contributions to documentary filmmaking. Lorraine Heggessey, Chair of the Grierson Trust, remarked on the achievements, saying: "This year’s Grierson Awards showcase the creativity and ambition of the best documentary makers and the richness that the diversity of our industry brings to the screen. The winning films tell compelling stories on a wide range of domestic and international subjects. Documentary makers around the world are under pressure not just from budgets but also from the increasingly polarised climate in which they operate. Through these awards, the Trust salutes their commitment and bravery, along with recognising and thanking commissioners and funders for their continued support for the genre," commented. Below, we go over the complete list of winners
In the category of Best Single Documentary – Domestic, the award went to "Me and the Voice in My Head," produced by Hungry Bear Media for Channel 4. Jurors praised this documentary for its compelling originality and the powerful storytelling of its lead, who guided the narrative with authenticity. The documentary, though intense and sometimes uncomfortable, uses humor and vulnerability to offer insight into mental health, delivering a sincere portrayal of the main subject’s inner voice.
For Best Single Documentary – International, the award was presented to "My Name is Happy," produced by October Films, Red Zed Films, and Horovel Films for Channel 4. The jurors highlighted this inspirational documentary as a powerful story of resilience in the face of constant danger for women. Through the personal recovery journey of the main subject, the documentary casts a spotlight on the issue of femicide, with the protagonist emerging as a voice for change and advocacy.
In the Best Current Affairs Documentary category, the award went to "20 Days in Mariupol," a collaboration between FRONTLINE, PBS, and The Associated Press. Jurors described the film as a deeply powerful, historical record that goes beyond news reporting, presenting a human perspective on the conflict. The documentary left a strong impression, with jurors calling it both a painful and moving viewing experience.
The Best Arts Documentary award went to "Yellow Door: '90s Lo-fi Film Club," produced by Broccoli Pictures Co. Ltd for Netflix. The jurors praised its fresh storytelling and visual style, which balanced nostalgia with originality. The film’s unique approach to its subject matter captivated the audience and offered a charming glimpse into a distinctive cultural era.
For Best Music Documentary, the winner was "Milli Vanilli," created by Keep On Running Pictures, Fulwell 73, and MRC for Paramount+. Jurors commended this documentary for its gripping portrayal of a complex story of fame, race, and exploitation. The documentary was lauded for its engaging characters, insightful interviews, and effective use of archival footage, making it a compelling watch.
The Best Sports Documentary award was claimed by "Mighty Penguins," produced by Meadowlark, Firelight, and Fever for theatrical release. Centered on the theme of community-building through sport, the film was praised for its heartwarming storytelling and for celebrating the transformative power of sport in people’s lives. Jurors described it as humorous and authentic, delivering a powerful message of unity.
For Best History Documentary, the award was given to "Stamped from the Beginning," a Netflix documentary produced by One Story Up. This film was praised for its unflinching examination of the history of racist ideas in America, blending animation and archival footage to elevate the voices of underrepresented academics and deliver a profound and stylish narrative.
The Best Science Documentary award went to "The Jennings vs Alzheimer’s," produced by Expectation Entertainment for the BBC. This documentary stood out for its delicate balance of scientific exploration and personal storytelling. Through the journey of one family, it presented the science of memory in a relatable, creative way, with beautiful archival footage and thoughtful storytelling.
The Best Natural History or Environmental Documentary was awarded to "Silverback," produced by Off the Fence Productions for the BBC, in association with France Télévisions. Jurors highlighted its compelling narrative and the filmmakers' bravery in capturing wild, unhabituated animals in a dangerous environment. The film delivered an emotionally impactful story against a complex political and cultural backdrop.
The Channel 4 Best Popular Culture Documentary award was given to "Big Zuu Goes to Mecca," produced by Acme TV for the BBC. This documentary received praise for its joyful energy and accessible presentation of a deeply personal subject. The main character's warmth and authenticity captivated the jury, creating an inviting and engaging exploration of faith and self-discovery.
The Netflix Best Documentary Series award went to "The Push: Murder on the Cliff," produced by Candour Productions for Channel 4. This series was recognized for its compassionate and visually arresting storytelling, with jurors noting its humanity, sensitive approach, and gripping narrative that made it an unforgettable viewing experience.
Finally, the All3Media Best Student Documentary award went to "The Waiter, the Scientist and Jenny," produced by the National Film and Television School. This touching film was celebrated for its intimate, observational style that created a profound sense of trust between filmmaker and subject, delivering a deeply personal and beautifully crafted narrative.