The Oscar and BAFTA-winning Ukrainian feature “20 Days in Mariupol” has made waves in the film industry by securing two nominations at the prestigious British Grierson Awards. The film, directed by Mstyslav Chernov, follows the filmmaker’s journey through the besieged city at the onset of the Ukraine War. Nominated in the categories of Best Current Affairs Documentary and Best Cinema Documentary, “20 Days in Mariupol” stands out among other notable contenders such as documentaries on Wham!, Boris Johnson, and Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Despite being initially selected as the Ukrainian submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards, “20 Days in Mariupol” received a nomination in the Best Documentary Feature Film category. This unexpected shift led to the film competing against strong contenders like “Bobi Wine: The People’s President,” further showcasing its versatility and impact in the documentary genre.
Apart from “20 Days in Mariupol,” several other projects have also received two nominations at the British Grierson Awards. Notable mentions include Netflix’s “Wham!,” Channel 4’s “The Rise and Fall of Boris Johnson,” and Prime Video’s “Ronnie O’Sullivan: The Edge of Everything.” The prevalence of sports documentaries like “Ronnie O’Sullivan: The Edge of Everything” reflects this year’s trend in the industry, highlighting a growing interest in the intersection of sports and storytelling.
Channel 4’s “Me and the Voice in My Head,” focusing on Joe Trancini’s borderline personality disorder, stands out with three nominations, including one for Best Presenter. This documentary sheds light on important mental health issues and showcases the power of personal narratives in connecting with audiences on a deeper level. The diversity of topics explored in the nominated projects, ranging from politics to personal struggles, underscores the depth and complexity of documentary filmmaking.
Award-Worthy Documentaries
The Best Documentary Series category features a mix of compelling narratives, with Channel 4 dominating the shortlist with diverse entries like “To Catch a Copper” and “Evacuation.” Netflix’s “American Nightmare” and the BBC’s “Cold Case Investigators: Solving Britain’s Sex Crimes” offer unique perspectives on crime and investigative journalism. The strong presence of channels like BBC, Channel 4, and Netflix in the awards shortlist highlights their commitment to producing high-quality documentaries that resonate with audiences.
Lorraine Heggessey, Chair of The Grierson Trust, emphasizes the power of documentaries in telling compelling stories that capture the essence of human experiences. The broad range of topics explored in this year’s shortlist reflects the industry’s dedication to showcasing new talent and addressing pressing issues such as mental health, sexuality, gender, and disability. Despite the challenges posed by the current climate, documentary filmmakers continue to push boundaries and engage viewers through innovative storytelling and in-depth exploration of diverse themes.
As the upcoming British Grierson Awards ceremony approaches on November 6, the anticipation for recognizing excellence in documentary filmmaking continues to build. The event’s new venue, Roundhouse in Camden, London, symbolizes a fresh chapter in celebrating the impactful work of filmmakers and storytellers from around the world. With each nomination and award, the legacy of documentaries like “20 Days in Mariupol” and their profound influence on audiences is further solidified, reinforcing the vital role of non-fiction storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world.