2026 Nominees

Once Upon a Time in Space

KEO films, Freemantle, BBC, PBS, The Open University

UK

- Science & Technology

Once Upon a Time in Space tells the human story behind one of our most extraordinary endeavours: the exploration of space. Moving beyond scientific achievement, the series explores the deeply personal experiences of astronauts, cosmonauts and the loved ones left behind. Through their intimate testimonies, a complex portrait of humanity emerges: one that reveals both our shared fragility and our boundless curiosity. The lens points upward, yet the story keeps returning to the ground where the consequences land. Accounts of ambition, risk, and friendship are rendered in human scale, connecting technical and geopolitical developments to lived experience. Resonating deeply with critics and audience, the series pushes the boundaries of what a space documentary can be. As we stand on the precipice of a new space race, these films are a timely reflection on the importance of cooperation across national and cultural lines, urging us to consider how humanity behaves toward itself.