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What are the changes in rules & regulations this year for IDA Documentary Awards 2024?

There are changes this year in Best Series, Best Audio Documentary, Best TV Feature, Best Feature, and Craft Recognition categories.

Change in Best Audio Documentary Categories

This category is removed. For non-fiction award competition alternatives, we recommend looking at Third Coast and Audie Awards.

Changes in Best Documentary Series Categories
  • Best Episodic Series: This category is now open to single season series.
  • Best Limited Series: This category is removed. Limited Series are now eligible for Best Episodic Series.
Changes in Best TV Feature Documentary Category

This category is removed. TV Feature Documentaries are eligible and encouraged to submit to the Best Feature Documentary Category.

Changes in Required Submission Materials

Applicants in all categories are now required to disclose the use of AI in any step of development, pre-production, production, or post-production. If AI was used in any step or process of the film or series, applicants must submit a written statement of up to 500 words describing the use of AI in the film and how it contributed to the final project.

 

FAQ

My film is/will be completed in 2025, but I'm unsure about its release date. Can I submit to this year's awards?

Yes. Projects may be submitted in any year they are eligible—either the calendar year they are completed or the year of their broadcast or theatrical/film festival premiere. The eligibility period begins September 1, 2024, and includes any film, series or audio documentary completed or scheduled to premiere on or before December 31, 2025. However, if the project is announced in the shortlist announcement, it is no longer eligible for submission in subsequent years, so we advise to consider your submission carefully.

My film was completed in 2024 and was released or is set to be released in 2025. Can I submit to this year's awards?

Yes. Projects may be submitted in any year they are eligible—either the calendar year in which they are completed or the year of their broadcast or theatrical/film festival premiere. The eligibility period begins September 1, 2024 and includes any feature or series documentary completed or scheduled to premiere on or before December 31, 2025. However, if the project is announced in the shortlist announcement, it is no longer eligible for submission in subsequent years, so we advise to consider your submission carefully.

I submitted my film/series to the Awards in a previous year, but wasn’t nominated. Can I resubmit the same film/series?

Generally, no. There are some exceptions. The exceptions are:

 

  • You have significantly changed the project and you are submitting it to a different category.
  • You submitted your film to a Feature or Shorts category, but now it is part of a Best Curated Series entry.
  • You withdrew your project in the previous cycle before the shortlist announcement. (This requires clearance from the Awards team.)
Do you offer discounts or fee waivers for submissions?

Yes. We recognize the economic hardship that independent producers are experiencing and we can offer discounts or fee waivers on a case-by-case basis. To apply for a fee waiver, fill out this form by July 15, 2025 at 12 pm PDT. Waiver codes will not be eligible for use on late submissions. Requests will be reviewed by an advisory committee on a regular basis until the form closes on July 15, 2025. All requests will receive a response before the close of Call For Entries on August 1, 2025.

How do I submit my film if it is completed after the deadline?

Requests for deadline exceptions for eligible projects expected to be completed after August 1, 2025, are considered on a case-by-case basis. A late submission request should be made no later than August 15, 2025, via our late submission request form here. Please include the following information in the form: category, project title, synopsis, distributor, expected delivery date. A fee will be added to submissions accepted after August 1, 2025. Waiver codes will not be eligible for use on late submissions. 

I submitted my project to the Awards, but I would like to withdraw from the competition. Is this possible?

Yes. Please contact awards@documentary.org immediately to withdraw your film from the competition. The submitter must contact awards@documentary.org to withdraw a project from competition prior to the official shortlist announcement on October 15, 2025. Projects that withdraw may be deferred to the following year’s competition at no additional fee. If the project is announced in the shortlist announcement, prior to withdrawal, it is no longer eligible for submission in subsequent years. There are no refunds for those who don’t defer their submission until next year.

What is the difference between Curated Series and Episodic Series?

Both are comprised of episodes that are not necessarily produced to be viewed in order. Curated Series episodes are usually created by different producing teams (e.g. Independent Lens, POV), while Episodic Series are produced with a continuity of production supervision (e.g. Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown).

What is the difference between Best Music Documentary Award and Best Music Score Award?

The Best Music Documentary Award recognizes a feature, short or multi-part documentary that has music as the central character of the film and/or a pivotal component of the storytelling (e.g. Amazing Grace, Apollo, Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé). The Best Music Score Award recognizes special achievement in a feature documentary that contains an original score.

How are the winners of the IDA Documentary Awards chosen?

Judging of the IDA Documentary Awards is based on overall creative excellence. Fifteen committees of 200+ filmmaking and industry professionals screen all 700+ entries and select all nominees. For the Best Feature and Best Short categories, the winners are selected by IDA Members from the pool of nominees. For all other awards, the winners are selected by blue-ribbon panels.

Will there be an awards ceremony this year? 

Yes, the 41st IDA Documentary Awards Ceremony will be held in early December at a venue in Los Angeles. All submitters will be informed via email once the ceremony date and venue is confirmed. If you are not a submitter, please check our website for updates, or for convenience, subscribe to our newsletter to get updates in your inbox. 

 

YouTube Live Q&A

Join the IDA staff on Tuesday, May 6, on YouTube Live to ask your questions on the 2025 IDA Documentary Awards Rules and Regulations.