The Grierson Awards
2019
In November, The Grierson awards were held in London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, celebrating an incredible year for British and International documentary filmmaking.
On behalf of The Foundation, Simon Verjee presented the award for best documentary short to “Zion”. Directed by Floyd Russ, the film follows disabled, former foster-child, Zion Clark as he enters the world of competitive wrestling. It was credited for being an engrossing, perception-changing portrait of a compelling central character and the redemptive power of comradeship.
Other notable winners on the night included “Stabbed: Britains Knife Crime Crisis” (Best Single Documentary, Domestic), “Drowning in Plastic” (Best Natural History Documentary) and the Grierson Trustee’s Award to veteran broadcaster, Dorothy Burne.
The awards, organised by The Grierson Trust and affectionately known as ‘The Griersons’, are regarded as one of the most coveted prizes for documentary filmmakers from around the globe.
Through our partnership with The Grierson Trust, we are proud to highlight a year of ground-breaking work from established and emerging talent and promote the genre as a force for positive social change and inspiration.