Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie became the star of the show at the 2023 Critics Choice Documentary Awards, taking home the top prize for Best Documentary Feature. Along with this accolade, the film scooped up an impressive five awards, including Best Narration for the charming and talented Michael J. Fox himself. The film’s stellar production and captivating story also earned it the titles of Best Biographical Documentary, Best Direction for Davis Guggenheim, and Best Editing for Michael Harte. This was a huge achievement for the team behind Still, solidifying its status as a standout documentary of the year.
Another standout at the awards show was the musical genius Jon Batiste, who took home the Best Score award for his work on American Symphony. This win came on the heels of Batiste’s five Grammy nominations, further cementing his status as a multi-talented artist with a knack for creating captivating and emotive music. American Symphony also took home the prize for Best Music Documentary, showcasing the film’s ability to marry powerful storytelling with an outstanding musical score.
While Still and American Symphony may have stolen the spotlight, there were plenty of other deserving winners at the Critics Choice Documentary Awards. 20 Days in Mariupol, a thought-provoking and impactful film, won two awards for Best First Documentary Feature and Best Political Documentary. Its powerful storytelling and compelling subject matter resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning it well-deserved recognition at the awards.
The ceremony, held at New York’s Edison Ballroom, honored winners in a total of 18 categories that spanned across theatrical films, TV, and digital platforms. This inclusive approach allowed for a diverse range of documentaries to be acknowledged and celebrated, showcasing the wealth of talent and creativity within the industry.
In addition to the awards given out for specific documentaries, the Critics Choice Association also presented the esteemed Pennebaker Award to Ross McElwee. This award, formerly known as the Critics Choice Lifetime Achievement Award, is named in honor of the late D.A. Pennebaker and recognizes McElwee’s outstanding contributions to the world of documentary filmmaking. This acknowledgment of McElwee’s impact on the industry added a layer of prestige and reverence to the awards show.
This year’s ceremony was particularly special as it was livestreamed via various platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly known as Twitter). This allowed for a wider audience to tune in and celebrate the achievements of the documentary community, further solidifying the importance and impact of the genre in the world of entertainment.
The full list of winners at the 2023 Critics Choice Documentary Awards spanned a wide range of categories, from Best Cinematography to Best Limited Documentary Series. Each award recognized the outstanding work of filmmakers and industry professionals who have dedicated their talents to creating compelling and thought-provoking documentary content.
As the documentary genre continues to gain momentum and recognition, the Critics Choice Documentary Awards serve as an important platform for celebrating the incredible talent within the industry. The recognition and accolades given to the winning documentaries and individuals not only acknowledge their hard work and dedication but also serve to inspire and elevate the entire documentary filmmaking community. This year’s winners have set a high standard for excellence in documentary filmmaking, and their achievements will undoubtedly influence and inspire future generations of filmmakers to continue pushing the boundaries of storytelling and creativity within the genre.
