The Grierson Trust has launched their annual call for entries to the UK’s most prestigious awards in documentary film making: Grierson 2012 – The British Documentary Awards. Founded in 1972, this year marks the 40th anniversary of The Griersons which will be presented at a star-studded gala ceremony at the Empire, Leicester Square in the autumn and later broadcast on Sky Arts HD.
The Griersons are the only awards dedicated to the celebration of documentary film making in all its forms. They recognise outstanding films that demonstrate integrity, originality and technical excellence, and social or cultural significance.
Chairman of The Grierson Trust, Dawn Airey said: “The Griersons are the Oscars of documentary making and this year will be even more significant as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the awards. Winning a Grierson is an honour for film makers from across the globe, as their dedication, style and wit - the hallmarks of brilliant documentary making – are recognised and celebrated by their illustrious peers.”
All categories are open to documentaries made anywhere in the world so long as they have had a first UK screening during the qualifying period, 1 May 2011 - 30 April 2012.
The award categories are:
- Deluxe 142 BEST DOCUMENTARY ON A CONTEMPORARY THEME - DOMESTIC
- Shell BEST DOCUMENTARY ON A CONTEMPORARY THEME - INTERNATIONAL
- BEST DOCUMENTARY ON THE ARTS
- ITN Source BEST HISTORICAL DOCUMENTARY
- BEST SCIENCE DOCUMENTARY
- MOST ENTERTAINING DOCUMENTARY
- Envy BEST DOCUMENTARY SERIES
- DocHouse & The Bertha Foundation BEST CINEMA DOCUMENTARY
- CTVC BEST NEWCOMER DOCUMENTARY (carries a cash prize of £3,000)
- Sky Arts BEST STUDENT DOCUMENTARY (carries a cash prize of £3,000)
Further info about each category can be found here.
Entry forms can be found at https://griersontrust.org/. The closing date for entries is 1 June 2012.