The Critics Choice Association named The Perfect Neighbor best documentary feature at its 10th annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards in New York, where the Netflix title collected five trophies including best director for Geeta Gandbhir, best editing for Viridiana Lieberman, best archival documentary and best true crime documentary. The ceremony took place on Sunday at the Edison Ballroom.
Double winners included Mr. Scorsese, which earned best biographical documentary and best limited documentary series, Ocean with David Attenborough, recognized for best cinematography and best science/nature documentary, and Orwell: 2+2=5, which took best score and best narration, the latter credited to text by George Orwell adapted by Raoul Peck and performed by Damian Lewis. My Mom Jayne: A Film by Mariska Hargitay was named best first documentary feature.
The evening also highlighted career honors. Ken Burns received the Critics Choice Impact Award, presented by Christine Baranski, while Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady were presented the Pennebaker Award by Chris Hegedus. Actor and producer Aasif Mandvi hosted the gala.
Historical categories produced ties: The American Revolution and Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time shared best historical documentary, and best music documentary was split between Becoming Led Zeppelin and Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius). America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders won best sports documentary, and 30 for 30 was named best ongoing documentary series. Saving Superman was awarded best short documentary.
The Critics Choice Documentary Awards mark a decade of honoring nonfiction work released in theaters, on television and major streaming platforms, with winners chosen by CCA members specializing in documentary coverage. This year’s results were widely echoed by independent awards trackers following the ceremony.
