The global documentary landscape is gaining a powerful new voice in film recognition. The International Federation of Film Critics — better known as FIPRESCI — has announced the launch of the FIPRESCI Documentary Grand Prix, an annual award honoring the year’s most outstanding nonfiction film. The prestigious prize will make its debut at the Millennium Docs Against Gravity (MDAG) Festival in Poland, one of the world’s largest and most influential documentary events.
Set to be unveiled at the 23rd edition’s opening gala on May 7, 2026, the award will recognize documentaries released during the 2025 calendar year. Unlike major industry awards that often hinge on high-budget campaigns, this accolade will be decided purely by critical consensus, celebrating artistry, impact, and innovation in storytelling.
“This is a monumental moment,” said Karol Piekarczyk, Artistic Director of MDAG. “Having FIPRESCI choose our festival as the permanent home for this award is a tremendous honor and a testament to the festival’s global standing.”
The selection process is both democratic and rigorous. FIPRESCI’s membership spans over 50 national sections and 30 additional countries, with each critic eligible to nominate films showcased at festivals or through other official releases. After an initial voting round, five finalists will be shortlisted. All members will be encouraged to view these contenders before a final vote determines the winner.
“There’s no gatekeeping,” Piekarczyk emphasized. “We want every critic to engage deeply with the nominees. This award is about merit — not marketing.”
While the Oscars’ Best Documentary Feature will announce nominees earlier in the year, the FIPRESCI Grand Prix offers a distinct perspective — one rooted in critical discourse rather than studio influence. Though some overlap with Academy contenders is possible, the new award promises to spotlight bold, artist-driven films that might otherwise be overlooked.
FIPRESCI has previously awarded a Grand Prix at the San Sebastián Film Festival, but that prize includes both fiction and nonfiction films — with fiction typically taking the crown. This new initiative marks the first time the organization will bestow a standalone, year-round honor exclusively for documentary excellence.
“This award reflects our ongoing mission to champion exceptional cinema and freedom of expression,” said Ahmed Shawky, President of FIPRESCI. “With MDAG as our partner, we’re ensuring documentary film receives the critical recognition it truly deserves.”
In addition to the Grand Prix, FIPRESCI will also introduce a three-member jury at MDAG to award the best film in the festival’s Main Competition — further cementing the role of critics in shaping cinematic conversation.
As film criticism continues to influence audiences worldwide, this collaboration reaffirms that thoughtful, independent voices still matter in the age of algorithms and streaming.
