Drop Dead City wins National Prize for U.S. History Documentary Filmmaking
A National Prize for U.S. History Documentary Filmmaking
The Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film is an annual national prize that provides recognition and resources for exemplary documentary films that tell compelling stories about American history. In 2019, the Library of Congress and The Better Angels Society, a national nonprofit dedicated to engaging Americans with their history through documentary film, created this prize to support enduring educational assets for all Americans. The Prize for Film celebrates the proven power of documentary films to bring people together as they explore our shared history and engage in civic dialogue.
Bestowed annually by the Librarian of Congress in partnership with The Better Angels Society, a cash prize of $200,000 is awarded to one winner, a secondary prize of $50,000 to one runner-up, and $25,000 to each of four finalists.
Dr. Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress, chairs a National Jury of esteemed scholars, filmmakers, and storytellers who narrow the selections. Dr. Hayden then selects the winner each year in consultation with renowned filmmaker Ken Burns. Over more than forty years of filmmaking, Burns has made immense contributions to our collective understanding of American history, and his inclusive and engaging storytelling encourages us to find common ground as we explore the lessons of our past. The Prize for Film joins other awards bestowed by the Library of Congress, including the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, the Prize for American Fiction, and the Kluge Prize for the Study of Humanity.
Core underwriting for The Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film is made possible by a generous donation from Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine through the Crimson Lion/Lavine Family Foundation, which supports organizations that strengthen society through education, research, innovation, public policy, direct service, and advocacy. Additional funding is provided by The Better Angels Society.
