Critics Choice Documentary Awards 2025: Ken Burns, Dates & Highlights

The Art of Documentary Filmmaking: Celebrating Excellence in Nonfiction Storytelling

The Critics Choice Association (CCA) is proud to announce the 10th Annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards, honoring the finest achievements in documentary filmmaking. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Edison Ballroom in New York City. The evening will celebrate excellence in nonfiction filmmaking, recognizing outstanding documentaries released in theaters, on TV, and across major digital platforms.

Ken Burns to Receive the Critics Choice Impact Award

Legendary documentarian Ken Burns will be honored with the Critics Choice Impact Award, recognizing his work that has sparked meaningful dialogue, inspired action, and driven tangible societal change. With a career spanning almost fifty years, Burns has transformed the art of documentary filmmaking, crafting landmark works that have shaped our understanding of history, culture, and the American experience.

Pennebaker Award to Be Presented to Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady

Visionary filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady will receive the Pennebaker Award, named in honor of D.A. Pennebaker, a trailblazer in the field. This prestigious award celebrates filmmakers whose careers have made a profound and lasting contribution to the art of the documentary. Ewing and Grady are known for their fearless approach to storytelling and their ability to capture the human experience with depth and nuance.

Hosted by Aasif Mandvi

The 10th Annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards will be hosted by award-winning actor, writer, and producer Aasif Mandvi. Mandvi is best known for his decade-long tenure as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including Spider-Man 2, Million Dollar Arm, and Evil.

Eligibility and Submission Process

Eligible documentaries must have premiered between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Submissions are currently being accepted, and the final deadline is September 19, 2025. Nominations will be announced on October 20, 2025.

Celebrating a Decade of Honoring Excellence in Nonfiction Filmmaking

The Critics Choice Documentary Awards have become a benchmark of excellence in the documentary film industry, recognizing the dedication and craftsmanship of documentarians worldwide. As we mark our tenth year of celebrating excellence in nonfiction film and television, we are honored to recognize these extraordinary artists who reflect the breadth of the documentary form. The 10th Annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards will bring together leading filmmakers, industry professionals, and special guests for an evening celebrating excellence in documentary filmmaking. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of this prestigious event and learn more about the outstanding documentaries that have made a significant impact in the industry.