Author: djfrosty

Stax: Soulsville U.S.A., Will & Harper, Shōgun and Hacks are among the 34 films or programs that won Peabody Awards on Thursday (May 1). The Peabody Awards’ board of jurors said these winners “represent the most captivating and inspiring stories released in broadcasting and streaming media during 2024.”
The winners were chosen by a unanimous vote of 27 jurors from more than 1,000 entries from television, podcasts/radio and the web in entertainment, news, documentary, arts, children’s/youth, public service, and interactive/immersive programming and media.

Stax: Soulsville U.S.A. tells the story of the fabled label that rose out of Memphis, Tennessee, to become one of the most successful R&B labels in music history. The label was founded by two siblings, business partners Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton (whose last names formed the basis of the label’s name). Booker T. & the M.G.’s served as the label’s house band. Other artists signed to the label in its glory years include Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Eddie Floyd and Isaac Hayes.

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In Will & Harper, comedy writer Harper Steele navigates her gender transition while reconnecting with longtime friend and collaborator Will Ferrell. The film ends with a charming song co-written and performed by Kristen Wiig. The tune was shortlisted for an Oscar for best original song, but wasn’t nominated.

Other Peabody-winning programs or films with a music tie-in are Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story, about a Black trans soul singer; We Are Lady Parts, a comedy about an all-female Muslim punk band; and Surviving Nova, about the deadly 2023 attackon the all-night Nova music festival in Israel.

Shōgun and Baby Reindeer, which won Primetime Emmys in September for outstanding drama series and outstanding limited or anthology series, respectively, both won Peabody Awards. But Hacks, which won the Primetime Emmy for outstanding comedy series, lost in its Peabody bid.

Netflix received the most awards with six, followed by HBO/Max with four, PBS with three, and FX/Hulu and Al Jazeera with two each. Documentary led all categories this year with 12 wins, followed by seven for entertainment, and four each for interactive/immersive programming, podcasts/radio, and news.

Winners of the 85th Annual Peabody Awards will be celebrated on Sunday, June 1, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. The ceremony will be hosted by Roy Wood Jr. Longtime NBC News correspondent Andrea Mitchell will receive the Career Achievement Award and landmark NBC sketch-comedy series Saturday Night Live will be honored with the Institutional Award. The show has been celebrating its 50th anniversary this season. (Perhaps you’ve heard.)

Here’s a complete list of this year’s 34 Peabody Award winners, across eight broad categories. The capsule descriptions of each show are provided by the Peabody organization.

Photographer (National Geographic)

The first season of National Geographic’s Photographer showcases renowned photographers like Paul Nicklen, Cristina Mittermeier, and Anand Varma, who use their art to highlight issues such as environmental threats, the wonders of nature, and the representation of the African diaspora. Through beautiful and probing documentaries directed by notable filmmakers, the series explores the deeper implications of photography, emphasizing how images are crafted to advocate for visibility and awareness. (National Geographic, Little Monster Films)

Out of My Mind (Disney+)

Director Amber Sealey’s film Out of My Mind follows sixth-grader Melody Brooks, a nonverbal teen with cerebral palsy, as she asserts her independence, showing how adults often overlook her efforts to communicate. The film’s heartfelt storytelling and sensitivity emphasize the importance of treating individuals with special needs with respect and empathy. (Big Beach, Participant, EveryWhere Studios LLC, and Disney Branded Television)

Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story (CRAVE)

Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story creatively chronicles the life of pioneering trans soul and R&B singer Jackie Shane, who has largely been forgotten due to the scarcity of video footage from her performances. Through inventive rotoscoped animations, audio of her conversations with co-director Michael Mabbott, and interviews with her relatives, the documentary explores Shane’s complex identity and her reasons for stepping away from the spotlight. (A Bangers Films and National Film Board of Canada production)

Black Box Diaries (MTV Documentary Films / Showtime)

Shiori Itō, a young journalist in Japan, tells her own harrowing story of bravely confronting the powerful male journalist Noriyuki Yamaguchi after he rapes her, despite facing disbelief from the police and media. Her relentless pursuit of justice, using her smartphone to document conversations and gather evidence, imbues the documentary with an intense intimacy and determination. (Hanashi Films, Cineric Creative, and Star Sands)

Bread & Roses (Apple TV+)

The Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 severely restricted the rights of more than 20 million women, preventing them from accessing education and employment while facing harsh public limitations. Sahra Mani’s documentary Bread & Roses highlights the resilience of Afghan women in these circumstances, showing their organized resistance as well as the joy they insist on finding in their everyday lives. (Apple Original Films presents an Eyan Foundation presentation in association with Extracurricular and Excellent Cadaver)

Daughters (Netflix)

Daughters, directed by Natalie Rae and Angela Patton, explores the Date With Dad program, which hosts dances for girls and their incarcerated fathers, creating a temporary sense of home in a prison setting. The film poignantly highlights the emotional struggles of these girls and their families, emphasizing that while the event fosters connection, it cannot replace the presence of a father throughout their childhoods. (A Netflix Documentary / An Object & Animal and Epoch Films Production / A Park Pictures and XTR Production /Iin association with OPC, World of HA, Simpson Street, and Two One Five)

Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa (Netflix)

This film tells the inspiring story of Lhakpa Sherpa, who balances an ordinary life working at Whole Foods in the United States while nurturing her extraordinary passion for climbing Mount Everest, where she has made multiple record-breaking summits. The documentary not only highlights her remarkable achievements against the backdrop of personal struggles, but also vividly showcases her resilience and spirit, her tenacity and connection to the mountains. (A Netflix Documentary / An SK Global Entertainment Production / An OBB Pictures Production / An Avocados and Coconuts Production / In association with MakeMake Entertainment)

Night is Not Eternal (HBO | Max)

In Night is Not Eternal, filmmaker Nanfu Wang explores the complexities of dissent and solidarity through her profile of Cuban activist Rosa María Payá Acevedo, highlighting their shared experiences in authoritarian regimes. As Wang documents Payá Acevedo’s journey during the Trump administration and the 2020 election, they confront growing ideological divides, ultimately revealing the challenges and compromises individuals make in the pursuit of “freedom” and “democracy.” (HBO Documentary Films presents A Little Horse Crossing the River and Hard Working Movies Production in association with NiKa Media and Secret Sauce Media)

One With the Whale (Independent Lens, PBS)

One With the Whale follows 16-year-old Yupik tribal member Chris Apassingok as he celebrates his first harpooned whale, a significant coming-of-age milestone and means of provision for his village, only to face a wave of hateful online backlash from an environmental group when photos of his accomplishment are posted on social media. Directed by Jim Wickens and Peter Chelkowski, the film powerfully illustrates the challenges faced by indigenous communities in preserving their traditions amidst climate change and external judgement from an increasingly connected world. (Vitamin Sea Productions and Vision Maker Media)

Queendom

Queendom follows Jenna, a gifted performance artist whose bold self-expression becomes an act of resistance against oppression and violence in Putin’s Russia. Through Agniia Galdanova’s powerful storytelling, the documentary captures both Jenna’s painful struggles and her triumphant perseverance. (A Galdanova Film Production in association with Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program, International Documentary Association, InMaat Productions, Doc Society and Sopka Films)

STAX: Soulsville U.S.A. (HBO | Max)     

This powerful four-part HBO documentary chronicles the rise, fall, and cultural impact of the iconic Memphis soul label, showcasing legendary artists such as Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes. By weaving together music, history, and the era’s racial and political forces, the series delivers a poignant, soulful, and deeply American story. (HBO Documentary Films presents in association with Concord Originals, Polygram Entertainment, Warner Music Entertainment; A Laylow Pictures production; A White Horse Pictures production)

The Remarkable Life of Ibelin (Netflix)

Benjamin Ree’s The Remarkable Life of Ibelin explores the enriching impact of video games through the life of Mats Steen, a Norwegian man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who finds community and meaning in World of Warcraft. By juxtaposing Steen’s virtual and real-life experiences, the film serves as a poignant tribute to his journey and highlights the profound connections that can be formed in digital spaces. (Medieoperatørene and VGTV for Netflix)

The Truth vs. Alex Jones (HBO | Max)     

Director Dan Reed provides an exclusive look at the trial of radio host Alex Jones as he faces a lawsuit from the parents of Sandy Hook victims for promoting false claims about the shooting. The film not only highlights Jones’s manipulative tactics for fame and profit but also critiques a society where trust in shared truths is deteriorating, resulting in a compelling examination of truth versus conspiracy. (HBO Documentary Films presents an Amos Pictures Production)

Will & Harper (Netflix)

In Will & Harper, comedy writer Harper Steele navigates her gender transition while reconnecting with longtime friend and collaborator Will Ferrell, who offers unwavering support despite the challenges posed by societal bigotry and transphobia. Their cross-country trip becomes a humorous and heartfelt exploration of friendship, trans allyship, and the complexities of identity. (A Netflix Documentary / A Wayfarer Studios Film / A Delirio Films Production / A Gloria Sanchez Production)

 Baby Reindeer (Netflix)

Starring Richard Gadd as flailing stand-up comedian Donny Dunn, Baby Reindeer explores his tumultuous relationship with Martha, a fan whose flattery quickly escalates into stalking. Based on Gadd’s own experiences, the series offers a darkly comedic yet poignant examination of abuse, trauma, and the complexities of autofiction, showing the potential for storytelling as a means of healing. (A Netflix Series / A Clerkenwell Films Production)

Fantasmas (HBO | Max)

Julio Torres’s HBO show Fantasmas blends absurdity and humor in a surreal world where the protagonist, Julio, grapples with the need for a “proof of existence” to validate his talent and identity amidst bizarre societal norms. Featuring a talented cast and a satirical take on conformity through its sketch-like structure, the series cleverly critiques everything from bureaucracy to reality TV. (HBO in association with Irony Point, Fruit Tree, 3 Arts Entertainment, and Space Prince Inc.)

Mr Bates vs The Post Office (PBS/MASTERPIECE)

In Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Toby Jones portrays Alan Bates, a seemingly ordinary subpostmaster unjustly accused by the British government of theft due to faulty software, showcasing his resilience and determination to fight for justice. The miniseries expands from Bates’ individual struggle to expose a broader conspiracy, revealing the government’s prioritization of corporate interests over citizen welfare. (A Co-Production of ITV Studios, Little Gem, and MASTERPIECE for ITV)

Ripley (Netflix)

Ripley creator Steven Zaillian employs a stark black-and-white aesthetic to explore the moral complexities and deceptions inherent in human nature, focusing on the sociopathy of the titular character, masterfully portrayed by Andrew Scott. This adaptation stands out among previous versions of Patricia Highsmith’s novel by integrating an unexpected connection to 16th-century painter Caravaggio, capturing the mid-century sensibility of Highsmith’s work and offering a visual portrayal of grifting as a consequence of the American dream. (Showtime and Endemol Shine North America in association with Entertainment 360 and Filmrights for Netflix)

Say Nothing (FX/Hulu)

Say Nothing is a nine-episode limited series that chronicles the Northern Ireland conflict known as “The Troubles,” focusing on the abduction and murder of Jean McConville by the Provisional Irish Republican Army in 1972. The series weaves together multiple narratives, including the stories of the Price sisters and Gerry Adams, exploring the deep social impacts of political radicalism, secrecy, and the emotional aftermath of violence. (FX Productions)

Shōgun (FX/Hulu)

FX’s reimagining of Shōgun, which adapts James Clavell’s novel, shifts the focus from the English navigator John Blackthorne to the rich narratives of its Japanese characters, particularly Lord Toranaga and Lady Mariko, thereby challenging the original’s white-savior narrative. This innovative approach results in a captivating and complex epic primarily in Japanese, a remarkable example of global collaboration and storytelling prowess. (FX Productions)

We Are Lady Parts (Peacock)

We Are Lady Parts returns just as brilliantly in its second season, using the story of an all-female, all-Muslim British punk band to explore the nuanced challenges of maintaining authenticity while navigating success. With sharp wit, bold music, and intimate character portrayals, the show breaks stereotypes and offers a rare, multifaceted depiction of Muslim women unlike most representations in Western media. (Working Title Television, which is a part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group)

1000xRESIST

1000xResist is a narrative adventure game set a thousand years in the future, focusing on themes of time, memory, and intergenerational trauma as it explores the aftermath of the 2019 Hong Kong demonstrations. Players, taking on the role of Watcher, delve into the memories of Iris the ALLMOTHER and her clones to confront the unsettling truths of their society, ultimately prompting reflection on the past and the future. (sunset visitor 斜陽過客 and Fellow Traveller)

Inside the Deadly Maui Inferno, Hour by Hour

After the devastating wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii, in August 2023, which resulted in at least 99 fatalities, The New York Times produced this in-depth report, showcasing innovative storytelling and investigative journalism. The comprehensive account combines more than 400 resident and tourist videos, interviews, and thorough analysis to reveal the failures that led to the disaster. (The New York Times)

One Day in Gaza | Close Up

Al Jazeera English’s One Day in Gaza | Close Up is a powerful social video capturing life in a besieged city through the phone cameras of Palestinian citizens, showing both daily resilience and the devastating impact of conflict. By empowering locals to tell their own stories when traditional journalism was restricted, the film offers an intimate, essential perspective. (Al Jazeera Digital)

What Does Racial Bias in Medicine Look Like?

Social media is flooded with health misinformation, particularly affecting people of color, as highlighted by “medical mythbuster” Dr. Joel Bervell. Through concise videos on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, he exposes racial bias in medical practices and algorithms, aiming to educate both healthcare professionals and patients. (Dr. Joel Bervell)

Confronting Hate (WTVF – TV)

Phil Williams of WTVF-NewsChannel 5 conducted extensive investigations into the rise of right-wing extremism in Tennessee, uncovering the influence of neo-Nazis and white Christian nationalists, all while facing targeted harassment online. His impactful reporting not only highlighted a pressing issue in American politics but also led to a state investigation into a local police official promoting conspiracy theories. (WTVF-TV)

Policing Phoenix (ABC15 Arizona (KNXV-TV))

ABC 15 Arizona conducted a groundbreaking investigation into the Phoenix Police Department’s brutal treatment of Black Lives Matter protestors, resulting in the dismissal of 39 felony cases and triggering a three-year U.S. Department of Justice investigation. Following up with a detailed 32-part series on the DOJ’s final report, the journalists provided critical context and additional evidence of police misconduct. (ABC15 Arizona (KNXV-TV))

Surviving Nova (VICE TV)

On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched a deadly attack on the all-night Nova music festival in Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and the taking of more than 200 hostages, which sparked a brutal siege of Gaza. The documentary Surviving Nova by VICE News captures the chilling events through smartphone footage and survivor testimonies, exploring the deep emotions and varied reactions of those affected. (VICE News)

The Night Won’t End (Fault Lines / Al Jazeera English / Television)

Al Jazeera’s The Night Won’t End highlights the harrowing experiences of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, documenting the relentless attacks on civilians by the Israeli military using U.S.-provided weaponry. By following three families and collaborating with organizations such as Airwars and Forensic Architecture, the broadcast provides comprehensive evidence that underscores the absence of “safe zones” in Gaza while holding America accountable for its complicity. (Al Jazeera English)

Blindspot: The Plague in the Shadows

This powerful podcast reframes the AIDS crisis as a widespread, deeply interconnected struggle too often ignored by mainstream society. Through six episodes filled with firsthand accounts, it highlights the resilience and solidarity that emerged in the absence of national leadership. (WNYC and The History Channel)

 In the Dark: The Killings in Haditha

In the Dark: The Killings in Haditha delves into the tragic 2005 massacre in which U.S. marines killed numerous Iraqi civilians in Haditha, revealing the profound anguish of the victims’ families and the lack of accountability from the American government. Through nine meticulously researched episodes, reporter Madeleine Baran and her team uncover the dismissive and revealing responses from military officials, highlighting the damaging impact of the U.S. wars on terror. (The New Yorker)

Pulse: The Untold Story

The 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, initially portrayed in the media as a hate crime driven by shooter Omar Mateen’s struggles with his sexuality, is revealed by reporter Trevor Aaronson to be instead a crime that stemmed from his opposition to U.S. military actions in Iraq and Syria. Through extensive investigation, Aaronson uncovers how the FBI’s narrative shaped public perception and obscured its own failures, leading to critical questions about institutional accountability and the politicization of memory. (Trevor Aaronson, Western Sound, and Audible)

Yousef, Youmna, Banias, and Majd: Four Lives in Gaza

Chana Joffe-Walt’s collection of stories for This American Life emphasizes the individual human experiences often overshadowed by the statistics surrounding the Gaza conflict, focusing on the personal struggles of people like aid worker Yousef Hammash and reporter Youmna El Sayed. Through intimate phone conversations, Joffe-Walt captures their raw vulnerability and resilience, witnessing and conveying the realities of life in a war-torn region. (This American Life)

The Only Doctor (Reel South / PBS)

The Only Doctor profiles Dr. Karen Kinsell, who runs the sole medical clinic in impoverished Clay County, Georgia, highlighting the stark health care disparities in one of the wealthiest countries. Documentarian Matthew Hashiguchi captures her commitment to treating uninsured patients, while also critiquing the profit-driven health care system that threatens her clinic’s existence. (Reel South, BellaFran Productions, PBS North Carolina, South Carolina ETV, Louisiana Public Broadcasting)