Grierson Awards 2011: the winners

The 2011 Grierson Awards took place at the BFI Southbank on November 1st, celebrating the finest factual films released over the past year.

Hosted by Mariella Frostrup, the ceremony brought together leaders in the documentary-making business as the judges on the Grierson Trust jury revealed the winners of the prestigious awards.

Current was honoured to attend the event and to sponsor the prize for Most Entertaining Documentary.

We've put together a list of winners from the night but we'd seriously advise you to check out all of the nominated films on the Grierson Trust website.

Envy Best Documentary Series: Hugh’s Fish Fight

Channel 4’s powerful, campaign-based series in which Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall challenged EU’s approach to legislation for the fishing industry.

Watch Hugh's Fish Fight on YouTube >>

Current Most Entertaining Documentary: Bodysnatchers of New York

The disturbing story of a New York funeral parlour trading in human tissue without the consent of the relatives of the dead. Directed by Toby Dye.

CTVC Best Newcomer Award: Storyville: Afghan Cricket Club – Out of the Ashes

An inspiring film about the Afghan cricket club’s struggle against the odds to make a success of their team.

Deluxe 142 Best Documentary on a Contemporary Theme – Domestic: Between Life and Death

The ethical issues of allowing patients with brain injuries to die are explored in this provocative documentary focusing on three cases, including that of Richard Rudd, who can only communicate using his eyes. Directed by Nick Holt.

ITN Source Best Historical Documentary: Fire in Babylon

Part sports documentary, part social history, this fascinating film uses archive footage to show the West Indes transformation into the world’s leading cricket team during the 1970s and 80s.

Sky Arts Best Student Documentary: Caring for Calum

A father and son are forced to face up to their past together as Uisdean returns to his Scottish Highland village home to care for his dying father Calum. Directed by Lou McLoughlan.

Bridgeman Art Library Best Arts Documentary: Bird on a Wire

A lost classic, this film goes on tour with Leonard Cohen in the 1970s, giving a glimpse into the life of an artist at the peak of his career.

Shell Best Documentary on a Contemporary Theme – International: Secret Iraq – The Insurgency

A very visual portrait of Iraq in the aftermath of Saddam Hussein’s fall. The filmmakers take viewers to the heart of the country’s trouble-spots, giving an unflinching view of a turbulent situation.

Honda Grierson Trustees’ Award: John Pilger

Journalist and documentary-maker John Pilger has worked as a war correspondent and made films on a wide range of subjects and countries. He has proved controversial at times but the value of his contribution to factual filmmaking is beyond question.

Dochouse and The Bertha Foundation Best Cinema Documentary: The Arbor

Director Clio Barnard tells the tragic story of playwright Andrea Dunbar to life and reveals what became of her daughter Lorraine, who has a harrowing story of her own.