9 Celebrity Documentaries That Won Major Awards
Must-Watch Films
Celebrity documentaries offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of well-known figures, combining storytelling with real-life footage to paint a vivid picture of their experiences. Over the years, several of these films have not only captivated audiences but also garnered critical acclaim, winning prestigious awards.
Why do some celebrity documentaries stand out and achieve major accolades? These award-winning films often delve deep into personal stories, showcasing intimate moments and struggles that resonate with viewers. They go beyond mere celebration, providing an insightful look into the complexities of fame and the human condition.
1) Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018)
"Won't You Be My Neighbor?" is a documentary that explores the life and legacy of Fred Rogers, the beloved host of the children's television show "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood."
Directed by Morgan Neville, the film highlights Fred Rogers' approach to children's programming and his dedication to teaching kindness and compassion.
The documentary received critical acclaim for its heartfelt portrayal of Rogers' impact on generations of viewers. It won the Best Documentary award at the Critics' Choice Documentary Awards.
It became one of the highest-grossing documentaries of all time, reflecting the enduring appeal of Fred Rogers' gentle, positive message.
For more information, visit the film's IMDb page.
2) 20 Feet from Stardom (2013)
"20 Feet from Stardom" is a documentary directed by Morgan Neville. The film explores the lives of backup singers who support some of the biggest names in popular music. Using archival footage and new interviews, it highlights the contributions and struggles of these often overlooked artists.
The production was inspired by Gil Friesen, a music industry executive. His curiosity about the background singers' lives led to the making of this documentary. The film delves into the personal and professional experiences of these singers, shedding light on their significant yet unrecognized roles.
Released in 2013, "20 Feet from Stardom" quickly gained critical acclaim. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 86th Oscars. This victory brought much-deserved attention to the talented individuals featured in the film.
Notable contributors to the documentary include Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, and Judith Hill. These singers have lent their voices to iconic tracks and artists, making a lasting impact on the music industry. Their stories offer a unique perspective on the highs and lows of life in the background.
For more information, visit the Wikipedia page.
3) Amy (2015)
"Amy" is a documentary directed by Asif Kapadia that chronicles the life and career of the British singer Amy Winehouse. Released in 2015, the film provides a behind-the-scenes look at her rise to fame and her struggles with addiction.
The documentary features intimate home videos and interviews with those who knew her best. This candid portrayal sheds light on Amy's undeniable talent and the personal challenges she faced.
"Amy" received widespread critical acclaim, culminating in winning the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2016. It also won the Producers Guild Award, highlighting its impact on audiences and critics alike.
With $22 million in worldwide grosses, "Amy" became the highest-grossing documentary of its award season. The film's success is a testament to the enduring legacy of Amy Winehouse and the universal appeal of her story.
For more information on the film, visit Amy (2015) on IMDb.
4) Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
"Searching for Sugar Man" is a documentary directed by Malik Bendjelloul that explores the search for American musician Sixto Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, relatively unknown in the U.S., became a cultural phenomenon in South Africa. The documentary tracks the efforts of two South African fans, Stephen "Sugar" Segerman and Craig Bartholomew Strydom, as they try to uncover the truth about Rodriguez's assumed death.
The film highlights Rodriguez's incredible music, as well as the surprising impact he had on South African culture, despite his obscurity in his home country.
"Searching for Sugar Man" won numerous accolades, including the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature at the 85th Academy Awards. It also received awards from BAFTA and the Producers Guild of America.
More information can be found here.
5) What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)
What Happened, Miss Simone? is a biographical documentary film directed by Liz Garbus.
Released by Netflix in 2015, it examines the life and career of Nina Simone. Known as the High Priestess of Soul, Nina Simone was a classically trained pianist and influential singer.
The documentary uses never-before-heard recordings, rare archival footage, and interviews with those who knew her best. It sheds light on her musical journey, personal struggles, and activism.
Prominent figures like her daughter provide insight into her life through interviews. The film opens with powerful concert footage, showcasing Simone's raw talent and emotional depth.
What Happened, Miss Simone? premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. It was followed by a tribute performance by John Legend.
The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 88th Academy Awards.
Find more information on Wikipedia.
6) Summer of Soul (2021)
"Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)" is a documentary directed by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson. The film captures the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, an event celebrating African-American music and culture. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2021 and subsequently won the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award.
The documentary showcases performances by legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, and Sly and the Family Stone. The festival, often overshadowed by Woodstock, provided a pivotal cultural moment, bringing together a range of musical genres from soul to Latin jazz.
In 2022, "Summer of Soul" received critical acclaim, culminating in winning the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. This marked Questlove's directorial debut and underscored the film's significance in bringing forgotten history to the forefront.
For further details, visit Wikipedia.
7) RBG (2018)
"RBG" is a 2018 documentary film directed and produced by Betsy West and Julie Cohen. The film centers on the life and career of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second female Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
The documentary explores Ruth Bader Ginsburg's legal legacy and her rise as a pop culture icon. It examines her path from a young lawyer to one of the most influential figures in American legal history.
"RBG" premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival before its U.S. release on May 4, 2018. The film was not only critically acclaimed but also became a significant contender in award circuits, including the Academy Awards.
"RBG" garnered attention for its detailed and respectful portrayal of Justice Ginsburg, highlighting both her professional achievements and her personal life. Through interviews and archival footage, the film provides a comprehensive look at her impact on gender equality and the law.
For more information on "RBG," visit the Wikipedia page or IMDb page.
8) O.J.: Made in America (2016)
Ezra Edelman's documentary "O.J.: Made in America" is a comprehensive examination of O.J. Simpson's life and the social forces surrounding his infamous murder trial. Produced for ESPN Films' 30 for 30 series, this documentary dives into Simpson's rise and fall in a nuanced and captivating manner.
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was released as both a five-part miniseries and in theaters. Its critical acclaim led to it winning the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2017.
The nearly eight-hour documentary stands out for its in-depth analysis and exceptional storytelling. It’s not just about the trial but also about race, celebrity, and justice in America.
For more information, visit Wikipedia.
9) Citizenfour (2014)
Citizenfour is a gripping documentary directed by Laura Poitras that focuses on Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who leaked classified information about global surveillance programs.
The film had its US premiere on October 10, 2014, at the New York Film Festival.
Through real-time footage, viewers are taken inside Snowden's tense meetings with journalists Glenn Greenwald and Ewen MacAskill in a Hong Kong hotel room.
Citizenfour provides an unprecedented look at Snowden's journey from anonymity to becoming one of the world's most wanted men.
The documentary illustrates the complexities of modern surveillance and privacy.
By the time it premiered, Citizenfour had already built significant anticipation and went on to win the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature at the 2015 Academy Awards.
The film also garnered critical acclaim for its compelling storytelling and its impact on public discourse about privacy and government overreach.
For more information on Citizenfour, visit its Wikipedia page.
Impact of Documentary Films
Documentary films have a significant influence on popular culture and play a crucial role in raising public awareness about various social, political, and environmental issues. Their impact is evident in multiple spheres of society.
Influence on Popular Culture
Documentaries frequently shape and reflect popular culture. Films like Paris Is Burning (1990), which explores the drag ball culture in New York City, brought subcultural phenomena into mainstream awareness.
Such films often inspire other creative works, including fiction films, television shows, and even fashion.
For example, the influence of 20 Feet from Stardom (2013), highlighting backup singers, reverberated through the music industry, leading to renewed appreciation for these musicians.
Documentary subjects sometimes become cultural icons. The success of Amy (2015) about Amy Winehouse added to her legacy, influencing music lovers and pop culture enthusiasts.
Raising Awareness Through Film
Documentaries raise awareness on pressing global issues. An Inconvenient Truth (2006), focusing on climate change, sparked global discussions and influenced environmental policies.
Films like Hearts and Minds (1974) provided critical perspectives on the Vietnam War, influencing public opinion and policy discussions.
By showcasing personal stories and lived experiences, documentaries often humanize statistics and data. For instance, 13th (2016) directed by Ava DuVernay, which examines racial inequality and mass incarceration, fueled national conversations on justice reform.
These films often result in increased funding and support for the causes they highlight, demonstrating their tangible impact beyond the screen.
Notable Filmmakers Behind Award-Winning Documentaries
Documentary filmmaking often involves notable directors and influential producers who bring unique perspectives and impactful storytelling to the screen.
Renowned Directors
Amy Berg is a notable figure in documentary filmmaking. Her film Deliver Us From Evil (2006) was nominated for an Academy Award. Berg focuses on challenging subjects, as seen in her debut feature about priest Oliver Grady.
Michael Moore gained widespread acclaim for Bowling for Columbine, a documentary that won the Academy Award in 2003. Moore's work is known for its investigation into social and political issues, often provoking thought and discussion.
Jean-Xavier de Lestrade directed Murder on a Sunday Morning, which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2001. This film highlights the wrongful conviction of a 15-year-old African-American boy, showcasing de Lestrade's ability to handle sensitive and critical subject matter with care.
Influential Producers
A24 produced the award-winning documentary Amy (2016), capturing the life of British singer Amy Winehouse. A24 is known for its dedication to high-quality, impactful storytelling in the documentary genre.
Jeff Skoll founded Participant Media, which focuses on compelling documentaries that promote social change. Notable works include An Inconvenient Truth which won the Academy Award in 2007. Skoll's influence in the field is significant due to his mission-driven approach to producing.
T.J. Martin and Daniel Lindsay co-directed and produced Undefeated (2011), which won the Academy Award. Their hands-on approach to following and documenting the journey of a high school football team brought authenticity and a moving human element to the documentary.
