Orwell: 2+2=5’ and ‘The Perfect Neighbor’ Lead Critics Choice Documentary Awards Nominations

By Clayton Davis

According To The variety The Critics Choice Association has announced the nominees for the 10th annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards, honoring the year’s outstanding achievements in nonfiction filmmaking.

Leading this year’s nominations is “Orwell: 2+2=5,” which scored seven nods, including documentary feature, director for Raoul Peck, editing, score, narration by Damian Lewis, archival documentary and political documentary.

Netflix’s “The Perfect Neighbor,” which was acquired after its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, received six nominations, including for best documentary feature and true crime documentary.

Honoring the year’s outstanding achievements in nonfiction filmmaking, the winners will be revealed at a gala event on Nov. 9 at the Edison Ballroom in Manhattan, hosted by actor, writer and producer Aasif Mandvi. The ceremony is produced by Bob Bain of Bob Bain Productions and Joey Berlin of Berlin Entertainment. National Geographic Documentary Films serves as the Catalyst sponsor.

CCA members who have expertise in the documentary field, select the nominees. At last year’s ceremony, “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” and “Will and Harper” tied for best documentary feature.

“The nominated films and series this year remind us how documentary storytelling can illuminate truth, inspire empathy, and deepen our understanding of the world,” said Christopher Campbell, vice president of documentaries for the Critics Choice Association. “We’re thrilled to recognize the filmmakers whose vision and dedication keep the art form evolving.” As previously announced, the Critics Choice Impact Award will go to legendary documentarian Ken Burns, presented by Christine Baranski. The award recognizes filmmakers whose work has illuminated history, inspired public discourse, and deepened cultural understanding — a legacy Burns has embodied throughout his decades-long career. In addition, Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady will receive the CCA’s Pennebaker Award (formerly the Critics Choice Lifetime Achievement Award), presented by D.A. Pennebaker’s widow and collaborator, Chris Hegedus. The honor celebrates artists who have made enduring contributions to documentary cinema