2025 Critics Choice Documentary Awards: See the Winners
The Critics Choice Documentary Awards held on November 9, 2025, at The Edison Ballroom in Manhattan, celebrated the finest achievements in documentary filmmaking. Hosted by actor Aasif Mandvi, the event recognized standout works released across theaters, television, and digital platforms throughout the year.
Big Winners at the 2025 Critics Choice Documentary Awards
This year, Geeta Gandbhir’s exceptional film “The Perfect Neighbor” emerged as the standout winner, clinching multiple awards including:
- Best Documentary Feature
- Best Director – Geeta Gandbhir
- Best Editing – Viridiana Lieberman
- Best Archival Documentary
- Best True Crime Documentary
Other notable winners included:
- “Mr. Scorsese”
- “Ocean with David Attenborough”
- “Orwell: 2+2=5”
Each of these titles received two prestigious awards, underscoring their significant impact in the documentary landscape.
Special Honors
The event also paid tribute to influential figures in the industry. Ken Burns received the Critics Choice Impact Award, presented by Christine Baranski. Additionally, filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady were awarded the CCA’s Pennebaker Award for their work on “Folktales,” recognized for their contribution to the documentary field.
Christopher Campbell, Vice President of Documentary at the Critics Choice Association, remarked on the vibrancy of documentary storytelling today, highlighting the creativity and courage of this year’s filmmakers.
Full List of Award Categories and Winners
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Documentary Feature | The Perfect Neighbor |
| Best Director | Geeta Gandbhir – The Perfect Neighbor |
| Best First Documentary Feature | My Mom Jayne: A Film by Mariska Hargitay |
| Best Editing | Viridiana Lieberman – The Perfect Neighbor |
| Best True Crime Documentary | The Perfect Neighbor |
| Best Historical Documentary | The American Revolution (TIE) |
| Best Music Documentary | Becoming Led Zeppelin (TIE) |
| Best Political Documentary | The Alabama Solution |
| Best Science/Nature Documentary | Ocean with David Attenborough |
| Best Sports Documentary | America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders |
The 2025 Critics Choice Documentary Awards showcased a remarkable celebration of storytelling, reaffirming the documentary genre’s pivotal role in shaping public understanding and awareness. The complete list of nominees and winners reflects the diverse and impactful works recognized this year.
