Documentaries have long been an essential part of the film industry, bringing to life real-world stories with unique perspectives, unforgettable characters, and critical insights into our world. Whether they tackle historical events, social issues, or explore the lives of extraordinary people, documentaries have a way of making viewers feel deeply connected to the subject matter. In 2022, the documentary category in the Emmy nominations stood out with an impressive collection of films that entertained, informed, and made us reflect on the world around us.
The Emmy Awards, a prestigious recognition of excellence in television, have included a variety of impactful documentaries in their 2022 nominations. These documentaries have captured the attention of both critics and audiences, showcasing a diverse range of topics from politics and culture to personal journeys and social change. Each film tells a story that goes beyond what we know, offering new perspectives and deep emotional connections to some of the most important issues of our time.
This article will explore the best documentaries nominated at the 2022 Emmy Awards. These are the standout films that managed to captivate audiences with their compelling storytelling, stunning cinematography, and thoughtful analysis. Let’s take a closer look at each of them and see why they earned a spot among the best.
1. “Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)”
One of the most celebrated documentaries of 2022 is “Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised).” Directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, the film explores the Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969, a pivotal event in Black American history that had been forgotten for decades. For many years, the footage from the festival sat in a basement, only to be rediscovered years later. The documentary highlights the importance of the festival, its cultural impact, and the incredible performances by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, and Sly and the Family Stone.
“Summer of Soul” is not just a music documentary; it is a powerful exploration of Black culture, civil rights, and the sense of community during a time of social unrest. Through interviews with people who attended the festival and footage of the performances, the documentary brings to life a crucial moment in the history of both music and social change. Questlove’s direction and passion shine through, making this film not only a great historical account but a beautiful tribute to the legacy of Black artists.
This documentary received multiple Emmy nominations in 2022, including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special, and rightfully so. It provides an emotional, uplifting, and unforgettable glimpse into a cultural milestone that had been overlooked for far too long.
2. “Framing Britney Spears”
Another standout documentary that garnered much attention in 2022 was “Framing Britney Spears.” Directed by Samantha Stark, the film takes an in-depth look at the life and career of pop superstar Britney Spears, focusing on the troubling conservatorship that controlled her life and finances for over a decade. The documentary examines the media’s role in shaping public perception of Britney, the personal and emotional toll of her conservatorship, and the legal battle she faced to regain control of her life.
“Framing Britney Spears” sparked a much-needed conversation about the treatment of women in the public eye and the ways in which society can fail to protect them. The documentary provides a thorough investigation into Britney’s rise to fame, the exploitation she endured, and the struggle for freedom that many fans, along with Britney herself, fought for years. It became a catalyst for the #FreeBritney movement, showing how documentaries can go beyond entertainment and have a real-world impact.
The film was widely praised for its sensitivity and its ability to bring attention to important social issues. It received multiple Emmy nominations, including for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special, making it one of the most discussed documentaries of the year.
3. “The Last Dance”
While not a new release in 2022, the documentary series “The Last Dance” continued to make waves in the Emmy nominations. Directed by Jason Hehir, this 10-part series chronicles the career of basketball legend Michael Jordan, focusing on his final season with the Chicago Bulls in 1997-98. Through rare footage, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments, “The Last Dance” provides an intimate look at Jordan’s career, his determination to win, and the challenges he faced both on and off the court.
The documentary also highlights the dynamics of the Chicago Bulls team during their dominant run in the 1990s, exploring the personalities and relationships that helped shape one of the greatest dynasties in sports history. “The Last Dance” is not just for basketball fans; it’s an inspiring story of leadership, perseverance, and the pursuit of greatness. It also delves into the complexities of fame and the pressures that come with being a global icon.
“The Last Dance” received widespread critical acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations in 2022, including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series. Its impact on both sports culture and the world of documentaries is undeniable, making it one of the standout films of the year.
4. “My Octopus Teacher”
Another Emmy-nominated documentary that captivated audiences was “My Octopus Teacher.” Directed by Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed, this film follows the unique bond between filmmaker Craig Foster and a wild octopus living in a kelp forest off the coast of South Africa. Over the course of a year, Foster forms a deep, almost spiritual connection with the creature, learning valuable life lessons along the way. The documentary explores themes of nature, personal growth, and the deep connections that can exist between humans and animals.
“My Octopus Teacher” is an intimate and beautifully shot film that takes viewers on a journey into the underwater world, showcasing the beauty and complexity of marine life. The documentary is a reflection on the importance of slowing down, connecting with the natural world, and understanding the impact of our actions on the environment. It won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature earlier in 2021 and continued to receive recognition at the 2022 Emmy Awards, including nominations for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.
The film’s gentle and heartfelt approach resonated with audiences worldwide, making it one of the standout documentaries of the year.
5. “The Social Dilemma”
“The Social Dilemma” is a powerful documentary that dives into the dark side of social media and its impact on society. Directed by Jeff Orlowski, the film features interviews with former employees of major tech companies like Facebook, Google, and Twitter. These whistleblowers shed light on the ways in which social media platforms manipulate users, spread misinformation, and contribute to societal divisions.
“The Social Dilemma” is both an eye-opening and alarming look at the pervasive influence of social media on our daily lives. It examines how algorithms shape our behavior, create echo chambers, and foster addiction to digital platforms. The documentary also highlights the ethical concerns surrounding data privacy and the growing power of tech companies in controlling information.
The film received widespread praise for its ability to tackle complex issues in a clear and accessible way. Its relevance to contemporary issues made it a strong contender in the 2022 Emmy nominations, particularly for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.
6. “This Is a Robbery: The World’s Biggest Art Heist”
“This Is a Robbery: The World’s Biggest Art Heist” is a four-part documentary series that investigates the infamous 1990 art theft at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. Directed by Colin Barnicle, the series follows the story of the daring heist, in which thieves stole 13 priceless pieces of art worth over $500 million. The documentary delves into the mystery behind the crime, exploring the various theories and suspects involved, as well as the lasting impact of the theft on the art world.
The series is a thrilling and suspenseful exploration of one of the most intriguing unsolved crimes in history. It combines interviews with art experts, law enforcement, and witnesses to unravel the mystery, all while highlighting the significance of the stolen works of art. “This Is a Robbery” keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, making it one of the most entertaining and engaging documentaries of the year.
It earned multiple Emmy nominations in 2022, including for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series, for its gripping storytelling and deep dive into a fascinating criminal case.
Conclusion
The documentaries nominated at the 2022 Emmy Awards showcased the power of storytelling to entertain, educate, and inspire. From exploring cultural movements and personal struggles to examining the impact of technology on our society, these films have sparked important conversations and opened our eyes to new perspectives.
Whether it’s the rediscovery of a forgotten music festival in “Summer of Soul,” the examination of Britney Spears’ fight for freedom in “Framing Britney Spears,” or the stunning underwater journey in “My Octopus Teacher,” the documentaries of 2022 have offered something for everyone. They remind us of the beauty, complexity, and challenges of the world we live in, and they continue to serve as powerful tools for change, reflection, and understanding.
As the 2022 Emmy Awards approach, these documentaries are deserving of recognition for their impact, their thought-provoking content, and their ability to touch the hearts of audiences. No matter which documentary ultimately takes home the award, the nominations themselves prove that the documentary genre is thriving and that real-life stories continue to captivate us in meaningful ways.
