Entries Open for 2026 Grierson Awards

The Grierson Trust has opened entries to the 2026 British Documentary Awards, also known as the Grierson Awards, in association with All3Media.

The Trust has refreshed the categories this year, with the addition of a best digital documentary category and the return of best constructed and formatted documentary series and most entertaining documentary.

Best digital documentary has been introduced to reflect the growth of programs being made for audiences accessing content primarily on digital platforms.

The best contrusted and formatted documentary series award, sponsored by Channel 4, is open to entries for an unscripted series of two or more episodes that examines the actions or behavior of individuals within a created format or constructed environment. Judges will be looking for evidence of quality, integrity, creativity, originality and overall excellence. Scripted reality formats are not eligible.

The most entertaining documentary award is open to entries for a single documentary or an episode from a strand or series that sets out primarily to entertain. Judges will be looking for humor, wit and elegance of style, as well as quality, integrity, creativity, originality and overall excellence.

Programs should have had their first screening to U.K. audiences between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026, to be eligible. The closing date for entries is May 22.

“As we open entries for the 2026 Grierson Awards, we mark 100 years since the word ‘documentary’ was first used to describe a form of filmmaking that continues to evolve,” said Sylvia Bednarz, managing director of The Grierson Trust. “A century on, documentary is more vital, more creative and more globally connected than ever, driven by filmmakers who challenge perspectives, uncover truth and tell stories that matter. At a time when the need for integrity, transparency and ethical storytelling has never been greater, the Grierson Awards remain committed to championing the filmmakers who uphold these values while pushing the form forward. We look forward to receiving this year’s entries and recognising the films and filmmakers who are setting the highest standards for the documentary form.”