International Documentary Awards 2025 Nominations Reveal Stellar Contenders

The 2025 International Documentary Awards nominations are now official. The announcement highlights the most compelling non-fiction storytelling from the past year. Leading the pack is the film Apocalypse in the Tropics with an impressive four nominations.

This year’s nominees were selected from a record-breaking pool of submissions. Over 550 entries from 85 countries were reviewed by international juries. The diversity of submissions underscores the global reach and impact of documentary filmmaking today.

Top Nominees and Key Categories

Apocalypse in the Tropics from Netflix earned nods for Best Feature Documentary and Best Director. It also received nominations for Best Writing and Best Production. This positions it as a formidable frontrunner for the December ceremony.

Other multiple nominees include Life After, Seeds, and The Tale of Silyan. Each of these films received three nominations. According to Reuters, the selection process was highly competitive, reflecting a strong year for the genre.

The Best Feature Documentary category showcases a range of powerful stories. They explore themes from environmental crises to profound personal journeys. The winners in most categories will be chosen by specialized juries representing the global documentary community.

Awards Process and Broader Industry Impact

This year, the IDA introduced a new selection method. Juries included special mentions alongside the official nominees in the top categories. This change aims to recognize a wider array of exceptional work without a traditional shortlist.

IDA members will vote for the Best Feature and Best Short winners. The voting window runs from November 19 to December 2. This peer-reviewed selection adds significant prestige to these particular awards.

The awards show will be held on December 6 at the Los Angeles Athletic Club. The event will also honor industry leaders with special awards. These include Julie Goldman receiving the Career Achievement Award.

Thought you’d like to know

Which film received the most nominations?

*Apocalypse in the Tropics* leads with four nominations. These include Best Feature Documentary and Best Director. Its strong showing makes it a film to watch on awards night.

How many countries submitted films for consideration?

This year’s nominations drew from submissions from 85 different countries. This represents an increase in global participation from the previous year. It highlights the universal power of documentary storytelling.

Who votes for the IDA Documentary Awards winners?

IDA members vote for the Best Feature and Best Short documentary winners. Specialized juries composed of international professionals decide the winners in all other categories. This combines peer recognition with expert critique.

When and where will the awards ceremony take place?

The 2025 IDA Documentary Awards will be presented on Saturday, December 6. The event will be held at the Los Angeles Athletic Club. The ceremony will also present the ABC News VideoSource and Pare Lorentz Awards.

What was unique about this year’s nomination process?

Juries issued special mentions instead of a formal shortlist for the top categories. This approach allowed for a broader acknowledgment of outstanding work. It recognized more films than the standard shortlist format.