We are delighted to announce that as awards season gets underway, WMM films and filmmakers are receiving nominations and making the lists of top contenders.
The nominations for the 9th Annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards were unveiled last week, and a film from our Production Assistance Program received eight nominations.
- SUGARCANE (dir. Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie) – an essential, heartfelt film that investigates the abuse of Indigenous children, received nominations for Best Feature Documentary, Best Director, Best New Filmmakers, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Historical Documentary, and Best True Crime Documentary.
Also receiving Critics Choice nominations were new films by PA program alum:
- THE SPACE RACE (dir. Lisa Cortés, who is also a WMM board member) – weaves together the stories of Black astronauts seeking to break the bonds of social injustice to reach for the stars.
- DAHOMEY (dir. Mati Diop) – explores the return of royal treasures of the Kingdom of Dahomey to Benin, sparking a debate on heritage and identity among university students.
Making the shortlist for the 40th IDA Awards are PA film SUGARCANE (dir. Mimi Wilcox) and program alum film DAHOMEY. Program alum Dawn Porter will also be honored with a Career Achievement Award at this year’s IDA Awards.
We are also excited that last week, Variety revealed their predictions for top contenders for Best Documentary Feature in the 2025 Oscars, including SUGARCANE and DAHOMEY, both of which are in their top 5.
Indiewire’s list of top contenders also includes APOCALYPSE IN THE TROPICS (dir. Petra Costa), a follow-up to her Oscar-nominated THE EDGE OF DEMOCRACY (also made with the support of WMM’s Production Assistance Program), which tracks the chilling rise of the far right in Brazil.
Congratulations to all the filmmakers!
