Spotlight Documentary Awards

The Spotlight Documentary Awards honors the most compelling and impactful documentary films of the year. This is not a traditional festival. It is a recognition-based program created to celebrate documentary filmmakers and elevate the stories that need to be heard.

Whether your film uncovers injustice, inspires change, or shares a deeply personal journey, Spotlight Docs exists to ensure it is seen, respected, and remembered.

Focused Recognition
Your film is never lost in a schedule. Each selection is reviewed with care and honored on its own merits.

Career-Boosting Validation
Winning an award from Spotlight Docs brings credibility to your festival run, press kit, or next funding proposal.

No Premiere Restrictions
We accept films at any stage of release, as long as they tell a story that matters.

Judging by Documentary Professionals
Our panel includes filmmakers, programmers, and documentary advocates who respect your craft and understand the format.

Optional Access to Scores
Filmmakers may request their judges' scores for additional insight into how their film was received.

 We present seven competitive awards:

• Best Feature Documentary
  Recognizing a powerful full-length film with lasting emotional and thematic impact
• Best Short Documentary
  Awarding a short film that demonstrates strong focus and storytelling
• Best Director
  Honoring a filmmaker whose vision and execution elevate the film
• Best Social Impact
  For a documentary that raises awareness and inspires action through its message
• Best Personal Story
  Celebrating a film that tells a deeply personal or identity-driven story with honesty and skill
• Jury Award
  Selected by our judging panel for overall excellence in documentary filmmaking
• Spotlight Filmmaker to Watch
  Presented to a new or emerging filmmaker whose work shows exceptional promise and originality