The Golden Globes, after nearly five decades, has reignited its focus on non-fiction storytelling with the launch of the Golden Globes Impact Prize for Documentary in 2025. This significant initiative, established in partnership with the Artemis Rising Foundation and Think-Film Impact Production, aims to champion documentaries that illuminate critical social issues and inspire meaningful change.
At the heart of this new prize is a deep belief in the power of cinema beyond mere entertainment. Helen Hoehne, President of Golden Globes LLC, views documentary film as a potent force for “illuminating truths, amplifying unheard voices, and driving meaningful social change,” asserting that cinema embodies both artistry and impact. Jury member Liza Soberano echoes this sentiment, believing films challenge injustice, offer hope, and reinforce shared humanity, hailing documentary filmmaking as a frontier for courageous storytelling and the future of cinema.
Leading figures behind the partnership articulate the profound potential of impactful documentaries. Regina K. Scully, Founder and CEO of Artemis Rising Foundation, advocates for championing powerful stories to inspire change, describing these impactful documentaries as ‘DNA changers’ that deeply alter audience perspectives on social justice issues. Geralyn White Dreyfous, co-founder of Impact Partners, emphasizes the critical need for recognition of non-fiction stories, highlighting their role in shaping understanding of the world and advocating for their elevation within elite awards. Danielle Turkov Wilson, CEO and Founder of Think-Film Impact Production, collaborates with independent storytellers to advance social justice through film, including facilitating tangible impact actions beyond festival screenings.
The prize itself recognizes documentary features within a festival’s official selection that demonstrate journalistic and creative excellence in addressing key social issues. Films are judged on their social importance, journalistic integrity, artistic creativity, and narrative disruption. Recipients receive a cash grant of USD 10,000 (or EUR 10,000) from the Artemis Rising Foundation, along with an impact collaboration from Think-Film Impact Production. The award was first presented at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025 and subsequently expanded to the Venice International Film Festival in 2025, where it is known as a Collateral Impact Award.
Since its inception, the Golden Globes Impact Prize has already honored compelling works. Past recipients include Eugene Jarecki for “The Six Billion Dollar Man” at Cannes in 2025, Ross McElwee for “Remake” at Venice in 2025, and Joshua and Rebecca Tickell for “Groundswell” at Cannes in 2026.
This initiative arrives amidst growing appreciation for the genre. Alberto Barbera, Artistic Director of the Venice Film Festival, has recognized the prize’s significance due to the increasing public and critical appreciation for documentaries. There is also an ongoing industry effort to persuade the Golden Globes to add a permanent ‘Best Documentary’ category, reflecting the genre’s growing trust as a source of information and its undeniable impact on audiences worldwide.