The True Crime Awards announced their 2024 winners at an awards ceremony held at the Hilton London Bankside last night (25th April).

The True Crime Awards, partnered by I-ME, were established to celebrate the incredible content being produced across the true crime genre. The event brings together creators and producers from across the screen, podcast, and publishing sectors to recognise the time, energy, and effort that goes into their work.

Now in its second year, the awards, presented by Yinka Bokinni, shined a spotlight on the skills and expertise necessary to research and retell a true story accurately, entertainingly, and respectfully; as well as the challenges of delving into these harrowing stories – whether in the form of documentaries, podcasts, books, or dramas.

The twenty-four categories of this year’s True Crime Awards were adjudicated by a panel of over 40 industry-leading experts who were asked to consider originality, production values, research, creativity, statistics, and overall performance. But most importantly, to judge if the content demonstrated respect for the victims, families, and survivors.

Over the past few years, the rise in true crime content has grown exponentially and has become more than subject matter for TV, books, and podcasts. Whilst it still informs, educates, and entertains, it has also become a tool for societal reflection.

By representing real cases, real people, and real outcomes, it can humanise statistics, expose flaws in the justice system and in some cases, spark reform.

To reflect this shift, this year the True Crime Awards introduced the ‘Impact for Change’ categories asking the judges to identify content which has resulted in a positive change. Winners of this new category included: Vishal from BBC Studios within Podcasts; Our Georgia by Lynette Williams with Robin Eveleigh of Mardle Books won within Publishing; and The Great Rhino Robbery from BBC Studios within On Screen.

Event Director, Nancy Baughen, said: “We are delighted to have welcomed so many of our nominees and winners to the second True Crime Awards where we have celebrated the industry’s creative talent. The ability to devote the time, effort and often emotional bandwidth needed to delve into some of the most horrific stories deserves recognition and most importantly gives a voice to the victims and their families.”

Representatives from across the true crime sector, as well as media production, were in attendance, including Sky, BBC, ITV Studios, Netflix, Wondery, Channel 5, Penguin Random House, TRUE CRIME, Little Brown Books, Bonnier Books, Woodcut Media, and The Financial Times and Daily Mail Group.

Nancy continued: “The level of support, enthusiasm, and commitment from our judges, entrants, and partners has been exceptional. They are without a doubt, leaders, and key players from across the full spectrum of the true crime industry which is why these awards give the recognition this genre deserves.”

For more information visit: www.truecrimeawards.co.uk