The Impact Award recognizes "documentarians whose work has sparked meaningful dialogue, inspired action and driven tangible societal change -- an achievement that Burns' extraordinary career exemplifies," according to the Critics Choice Association.
Also at the ceremony, taking place at the Edison Ballroom, filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady will receive the Pennebaker Award (formerly known as the Critics Choice Lifetime Achievement Award). Named in honor of D.A. Pennebaker, the award is presented by Chris Hegedus, Pennebaker's widow and partner, to "filmmakers whose careers have made a profound and lasting contribution to the art of the documentary."
"As we mark our 10th year of celebrating excellence in nonfiction film and television, we are honored to recognize these extraordinary artists who reflect the breadth of the documentary form," said Christopher Campbell, vp documentary at the Critics Choice Association. "Ken Burns continues to inspire, educate, and enlighten with The American Revolution, his latest historical, while Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady carry forward the tradition of direct cinema with their own distinctive vision, most recently in their feature Folktales."
These honors will be presented alongside awards in 18 categories at a gala hosted by actor-writer-producer Aasif Mandvi (The Daily Show, Evil). The awards will honor docs released in theaters, on TV and across major digital platforms.
Submissions are open through Sept. 19, with nominations set to be unveiled Oct. 20. Nominations are determined by the voting of qualified CCA members with expertise in the documentary field.
Eligible documentaries must have premiered between Jan. 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Documentaries should have premiered theatrically (or be scheduled to premiere) during that period or been made available via broadcast, cable or digital services.