A deeply personal love story about illness and poetry stole the spotlight as Cinema Eye Honors celebrated the year’s most moving documentaries.
The 19th annual Cinema Eye Honors proved once again that documentary films can be just as emotional, dramatic and unforgettable as any Hollywood blockbuster. Held Thursday night in New York, the ceremony celebrated the best in nonfiction storytelling — and one film clearly touched hearts more than the rest.
Ryan White’s Come See Me in the Good Light emerged as the biggest winner of the evening, taking home the top prize for Outstanding Nonfiction Feature. The intimate documentary, which follows poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley as they navigate Gibson’s cancer diagnosis, also won awards for Original Music Score and earned both women spots on the night’s prestigious Unforgettables list.
Rather than focusing on medicine or tragedy alone, Come See Me in the Good Light looks at love, creativity and vulnerability. The film shows how poetry becomes both comfort and survival as Gibson faces life-altering news. For many in the room, that emotional honesty is exactly what made the film stand out in a strong year for documentaries.
While White’s film dominated the top category, it wasn’t the only project to leave a mark. The Perfect Neighbor, directed by Geeta Gandbhir, picked up awards for Outstanding Direction and Editing. The film’s recognition highlighted how strong filmmaking choices — not just powerful subjects — help shape stories that stay with audiences long after the credits roll.
Another double winner was Seeds, directed by Brittany Shyne. The film earned honors for Debut Feature and Cinematography, marking Shyne as a rising voice in nonfiction filmmaking. The lush visuals and thoughtful approach helped the documentary stand out among a competitive field.
The ceremony also recognized collaboration and behind-the-scenes excellence. The award for Outstanding Production ended in a tie, going to The Alabama Solution and Apocalypse in the Tropics. Both films were praised for the teamwork and dedication required to bring complex stories to the screen.
Notably, all five of the night’s major feature winners — Come See Me in the Good Light, The Perfect Neighbor, Seeds, The Alabama Solution, and Apocalypse in the Tropics — were shortlisted for the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. That overlap shows how Cinema Eye Honors often predicts which films will continue gaining attention throughout awards season.
Television documentaries also had a strong showing. Lauren Greenfield’s FX series Social Studies won Outstanding Nonfiction Series, along with Broadcast Editing. The series takes a close look at teens growing up in the age of social media, and its wins reflected how nonfiction storytelling continues to thrive beyond movie theaters.
Other standout winners included Deaf President Now! for Sound Design and It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley for Visual Design. Audience members also made their voices heard, choosing The Tale of Silyan, directed by Tamara Kotevska, as the Audience Choice Prize.
One of the most emotional moments of the night came during the Unforgettables honors, which recognize individuals whose presence made an impact on nonfiction storytelling this year.
Alongside Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley, honorees included former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, journalist Seymour Hersh, and several activists and artists whose real-life stories shaped powerful films.
Broadcast awards went to projects like Pee-wee as Himself on HBO | Max and Conan O’Brien Must Go, proving that nonfiction storytelling can be funny, nostalgic and deeply human all at once.
At its core, the Cinema Eye Honors reminded audiences why documentaries matter. These films don’t just inform — they connect, challenge and comfort. And this year, Come See Me in the Good Light led the way by showing that even in the darkest moments, love and art can still shine.
Which documentary moved you most this year? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.
