Critics Choice Documentary Awards 2026 Nominees Led by '14th'

The Critics Choice Documentary Awards have unveiled their nominees for the 11th annual ceremony, spotlighting achievements across documentary categories. Ava DuVernay’s documentary '14th' received six nominations, the most of any film. The winners will be revealed at a gala event on November 8 at The Edison Ballroom in Manhattan, with Ross Matthews serving as host.

'14th' leads with six nominations across top categories

Ava DuVernay's '14th' leads all nominees with six nods. Its nominations span Best Documentary Feature, Best Political Documentary, Best Historical Documentary, Best Director for DuVernay, Best Editing for Spencer Averick, and Best Music Score for Jason Moran.

Multiple films earn five nominations each

Three other films each received five nominations. 'You Can See Everything', 'Once Upon a Time in Harlem', and 'Nuisance Bear' are strong contenders across multiple categories.

Directors and nominees span diverse backgrounds and subjects

The nominated films cover a wide array of subjects and directors. 'You Can See Everything' examines Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes and was directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim. David Greaves directed 'Once Upon a Time in Harlem', which he also produced with Liani Greaves. Ross McElwee directed 'Remake', and John Wilson directed 'The History of Concrete'.

The director category features a diverse slate:

Ron Howard and Jehane Noujaim to receive special awards

Ron Howard will receive the Critics Choice Impact Award. Jehane Noujaim will be honored with the CCA’s Pennebaker Award. The Pennebaker Award will be presented by DA Pennebaker’s widow and collaborator, Chris Hegedus.

Other nominees fill out a competitive field. The full list of Documentary Feature nominees includes:

First-time directors are recognized in their own category. Nominees for First Documentary Feature are David Greaves for 'Once Upon a Time in Harlem', Baz Luhrmann for 'EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert', Gabriela Osio Vanden & Jack Weisman for 'Nuisance Bear', Xander Robin for 'The Python Hunt', Poh Si Teng for 'American Doctor', and John Wilson for 'The History of Concrete'.

Music documentaries and science films also have their place. The Music Documentary category features films about Earth, Wind & Fire, Elvis Presley, and Oasis. Science and nature nominees include 'The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist' and 'Ghost Elephants'.

Christopher Campbell noted the breadth of the selections. "This year’s nominees reflect the range of voices, perspectives, and stories that make documentary filmmaking so compelling," he said.

The awards will take place on Nov. 8 at the Edison Ballroom in New York City.