Submissions are now being accepted for the 11th annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards for films released in 2026. The final date for submissions is September 18, 2026. Nominating committees comprised of qualified CCA members with an expertise in documentary will begin their deliberations in the fall, and nominees will be announced October 13, 2026. The awards ceremony will be held Sunday, November 8 in New York.
Last year’s show was hosted by actor, writer, and producer Aasif Mandvi and was held at the Edison Ballroom in New York City. The Perfect Neighbor won the Best Documentary Feature trophy, along with awards in four other categories, Best Director for Geeta Gandbhir, Best Editing for Viridiana Lieberman, Best Archival Documentary, and Best True Crime Documentary.
Mr. Scorsese, Ocean with David Attenborough, and Orwell: 2+2=5 each won two awards, and My Mom Jayne: A Film by Mariska Hargitay won Best First Documentary Feature.
The Critics Choice Impact Award was presented to legendary documentarian Ken Burns by acclaimed actor Christine Baranski.
Visionary filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady were the recipients of the CCA’s Pennebaker Award, presented by Pennebaker’s widow and collaborator, Chris Hegedus.
The 10th Annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards can be viewed here.