LOS ANGELES — On Tuesday, nominations were announced by The Critics Choice Association for the Tenth Annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards (CCDA), highlighting the year’s finest achievements in documentary filmmaking.
From National Geographic’s exploration of the sea in “Ocean with David Attenborough,” to Hulu’s documentation of the life of Sly Stone in “Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)” and ESPN’s ongoing “30 for 30” series, the CCDA honors a wide range of topics, bringing together leading filmmakers and industry professionals from all circles.
“The nominated films and series this year remind us how documentary storytelling can illuminate truth, inspire empathy, and deepen our understanding of the world,” said Christopher Campbell, Critics Choice Association’s VP, Documentary. “We’re thrilled to recognize the filmmakers whose vision and dedication keep the art form evolving.”
National Geographic’s “The Tale of Silyan” earned two nominations, including Best Documentary Feature and Best Cinematography for Jean Dakar. The documentary is a Madecodnian folktale, following a farmer and a wounded stork.
“Ocean with David Attenborough” also earned a nomination for Best Cinematography for Toby Strong and Doug Anderson and a nomination for Best Science/Nature Documentary. In the film, the world’s leading natural historian draws on a lifetime of knowledge to reveal how Earth’s vast, interconnected waterways can be restored. It’s streaming now on Disney+.
Earning a Best Science/Nature Documentary nomination is “The Last Rhinos: A New Hope.” The National Geographic special follows a team of scientists who race to save the Northern White Rhino from extinction by attempting to create the world’s first surrogate rhino pregnancy. It’s streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
“Love + War,” also from National Geographic, is nominated for Best Biographical Documentary and Best Score for Claudia Sarne. The film follows photographer Lynsey Addario as she reflects on her Pulitzer Prize-winning career and the risks she’s taken to capture the stark realities ofwar – from the Middle East and Afghanistan to Ukraine.
“Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time” is National Geographic’s reflection on Hurricane Katrina, 20 years after its landfall. The five-part documentary series is nominated for Best Historical Documentary and Best Limited Documentary Series and is streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
“Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller,” which just released its fifth season, is National Geographic’s exploration of the complex inner workings of the global underworld, black and informal markets. It’s nominated for Best Ongoing Documentary Series. It’s streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
Hulu’s “Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)” earned a nomination for Best Music Documentary. The film is directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and explores the life, career and legacy of Sly and the Family Stone. It’s streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
In the Best Sports Documentary category, ESPN was nominated three times. “Big Dreams: Little League World Series 2024” from ESPN Films celebrates all that makes the Little League tournament magical. “Southpaw: The Life and Legacy of Jim Abbott” follows an unprecedented figure in sports history who was born without a right hand and pitched a no-hitter for the Yankees. “Full Court Press” documents elite collegiate women’s basketball stars during a record-breaking season. They are streaming on ESPN+.
ESPN Films’ “30 for 30” was also nominated for Best Ongoing Documentary Series. The series of documentaries delves into the lives of athletes, explores iconic moments and examines the cultural impact of sports. “30 for 30” is streaming on ESPN+.
This year, legendary documentarian Ken Burns will receive the Critics Choice Impact Award, presented by Christina Baranski. Filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady will receive the Pennebaker Award, presented by Chris Hegedus.
The winners will be announced November 9 at The Edison Ballroom in Manhattan, hosted by Aasif Mandvi. The ceremony will be livestreamed on YouTube, X and Facebook and on the CCA Website, beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of National Geographic, Hulu, ESPN, Disney+ and this ABC station.
Copyright © 2025 OnTheRedCarpet.com. All Rights Reserved.
Niko Travis is a dedicated health writer with a passion for providing clear, reliable, and research-backed information about medications and mental health. As the author behind TrazodoneSUC, Niko simplifies complex medical topics to help readers understand the benefits, uses, and potential risks of Trazodone. With a commitment to accuracy and well-being, Niko ensures that every article empowers readers to make informed decisions about their health.
