Join us for the 41st IDA Documentary Awards, as we bring together nominees, honorees, peers in the field, and industry leaders. We welcome IDA Members and the general public on Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6, for a new Awards experience. Get your tickets today to celebrate this year’s filmmakers and share ideas for how to move forward together in these challenging times.

Key Dates*

• Nominee Announcement: November 18, 2025
• IDA Member Viewing Begins with all Best Feature, Best Short, + Craft nominees: November 19, 2025
• IDA Member Voting Begins**: November 19, 2025
• IDA Member Voting Ends**: December 2, 2025
   
• Awards Welcome Reception: December 4, 2025 (Invite Only)
• Meet the Nominees: December 5, 2025, LA Center Studios, Los Angeles 450 S Bixel St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
• 41st IDA Documentary Awards: December 6, 2025, Los Angeles Athletic Club, Los Angeles 431 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
• IDA Member Viewing Platform Closes: December 31, 2025

Register for Meet the Nominees

Purchase Tickets for IDA Awards Presentation

*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.

Call For Entries: CLOSED

This year some entry categories, rules, and regulations have changed. Please make sure to read all Rules & Regulations and FAQs before sharing your work for consideration. See our YouTube Q&A here.

Key Dates

• April 22, 2025: Release of Updated Rules and Regulations
• May 1, 2025: Call For Entries (CFE) Opens
• May 15, 2025: Special MEMBER & NON-MEMBER CFE Early Deadline
• June 15, 2025: MEMBER & NON-MEMBER CFE Regular Deadline
• July 15, 2025:  MEMBER & NON-MEMBER CFE Late Deadline
• August 1, 2025: CFE Final Deadline
• August 15, 2025: Final Deadline Extension Request Form Closes
  Extensions granted *by Permission Only*
• IDA Documentary Awards: December 4-5-6, 2025

Watch the 40th IDA Documentary Awards Show (2024)