2014 Grierson Awards shortlist announced

The official build up to the 42nd annual Griersons begins. The Grierson Trust has announced the full shortlist for the 2014 British Documentary Awards in association with Shell and Sky Atlantic. Final nominations will be announced on 16th September prior to the awards ceremony at The Queen Elizabeth Hall, London on 3rd November. The full awards ceremony will also be screened on Sky Atlantic in early November.

Regarded as the Oscars of documentary, here TV and theatrical documentaries battle it out for an award established by the Grierson Trust, a charity organisation that aims to highlight the works of documentarians and celebrate the works of John Grierson - a key figure in this form of filmmaking who is credited for having popularised the term "documentary" and laying down the blueprints for the works that followed.

The shortlist includes a vibrant mix of works of newcomers and Grierson-winning alumnis such as Jill Nicholls and Alex Gibney.  On the presenter of the year front, illustrious names such as Stephen Fry, Richard Attenborough and Rupert Everett are battling it out. Of the films shortlistes, just eight films of the 12 categories will be put forward to the next round - the final nominations.

Lorraine Heggessey, Chairman of the Grierson Trust pointed out that this was a strong year full and how each of the categories are jammed with a variety of powerful, impactful and memorable works. "Winning a Grierson is a coveted honour for filmmakers from across the globe. Judged by their peers, the Griersons champion and recognise filmmakers' dedication, style and wit - the hallmarks of brilliant documentary making. Our judges now face a summer of deliberation and debate and I look forward to announcing the final nominations in the autumn."

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL LIST OF THE GRIERSON AWARDS 2014 SHORTLIST