42nd Annual IDA Documentary Awards
Awards Ceremony
The IDA Documentary Awards is an annual ceremony celebrating excellence in global nonfiction filmmaking. Presented by International Documentary Association (IDA) since 1984, it was the first awards program in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to documentaries and remains among the most prominent documentary-specific awards competitions worldwide.
This year’s 42nd Annual IDA Documentary Awards will be an evening of celebration and community held on December 4, 2026 at The Ebell in Los Angeles, hosted by documentary field leader Tabitha Jackson.
Meet the Honorees
Celebrate this year's honorees for the 42nd Annual IDA Documentary Awards, to be presented December 4, 2026, at The Ebell of Los Angeles. This year's honorees include a Career Achievement Award for the late Chilean filmmaker Patricio Guzmán, Truth to Power Award for Amy Goodman & Juan González, Emerging Filmmaker Award for Maia Lekow & Christopher King, and Amicus Award for Cannes Docs: Pierre-Alexis Chevit, Raphaellë Cittanova, Cassandra Bazin, Babette Dieu.
Member Perks
IDA Members save $100 on tickets to the 42nd IDA Documentary Awards.
As a member, you have the opportunity to screen all shortlisted films as well as nominees for Best Feature, Best Short, and select craft categories. Members also receive the exclusive opportunity to vote for the winners in the Best Feature and Best Short categories.
Join or renew as an IDA Member (Doc Maker and up, corporate, institutional, or organizational) today.
Key Dates
- Shortlist Announcement: October 22, 2026
- IDA Member Viewing (Shortlist ONLY): November 2 - November 17, 2026
- Nominee Announcement: November 17, 2026
- IDA Member Viewing (Nominees ONLY): November 17 - November 27, 2026
- IDA Member Voting Period**: November 17 - November 27, 2026
- IDA Member Viewing (Shortlist and Select films): November 28 - December 31, 2026
- Awards Ceremony: December 4, 2026, The Ebell Los Angeles
- IDA Virtual Viewing Platform closes: December 31, 2026
*All dates are subject to change.
**IDA Member Voting is for Best Feature and Best Short Documentary categories only. All other category winners are selected by blue-ribbon juries.