Best Documentary: Short

Best Documentary: Short (BDS) awards stories that are short on time, but not short on craft or ambition… and that deserve a bigger platform!

For this category, we are looking for stories that accomplish the extraordinary in 10 minutes or less. We believe this work deserves a bigger platform!

There is one award in this category, honored with a unique physical award and public recognition around the world. Third Coast also names Third Coast Finalists in this category, announced alongside the Winner.

Your last chance to enter will be the Extended Late Deadline of April 17, 2025. For a complete list of deadlines, see our Call for Entries homepage.

Full Category Description

Best Documentary: Short is one of our newest categories, created in 2020. For this category, we are looking for stories that accomplish the extraordinary in 10 minutes or less. We created this category because we believe that short-form audio stories need more recognition — and are a different conceptual beast than longer documentary projects.

2024-25 Eligibility Information

Length: 0-10 minutes
Publication: Must have been published between April 2, 2022 - March 20, 2025
Format: One single audio file. All advertisements or sponsorship segments MUST be removed from the audio file — this includes previews for upcoming episodes of this or other programs.
Language: There are no language requirements for this category. If you are entering work in a non-English language, you must provide a translated transcript.

2024-25 Entry Rates

We offer tiered entry fees through our Collective Pricing philosophy. Read our complete breakdown of sliding scale rates across all categories. Our current rates are for the Late Deadline, which has been extended through April 17, 2025.

2024-25 Entry Checklist

Audio file (.mp3 preferred, .wav also accepted) WITH ALL ADS REMOVED
Total length of the series (Minutes:Seconds)
Link to a published version of the story
Full credits (host, producer, sound designer, editor, etc.)
Description/summary of your entry (150 words or fewer preferred)
Transcript (optional for English-language series, required for non-English)

Best Documentary: Short FAQ

How do I enter this category?

If your entry meets the eligibility requirements above, you may select “Best Documentary: Short” on the entry form.

Can I enter other categories too?

Yes. If you are entering the Best Documentary: Short category, your entry is automatically considered for Directors’ Choice. It may also be eligible for Best New Artist, Impact, Best Documentary in a Non-English Language, and others. Due to length eligibility requirements, it is not eligible for Best Documentary or Best Serialized Story.