The International Emmy Award for Best Documentary has been presented since 1967 by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (IATAS) to the best documentaries produced and initially aired outside the United States.
According to the rules of the International Academy, a documentary is a factual presentation that provides an in-depth analysis of a specific subject or point of view, supported by evidence and informed commentary, on any subject other than art and artists. The program must meet the minimum format length of a televised half-hour time slot.
If the program is part of a continuous series of self-contained episodes (i.e., each episode has its own storyline with a conclusion; or each episode may have a different director and/or producer; or the series has the potential to continue for multiple seasons), then each episode must be submitted as a separate entry.
If the program is a multi-part series with a finite number of episodes (no further episodes planned), covering the same theme, two (2) episodes must be submitted to represent the series as a whole.
If the program contains multiple parts with a continuing storyline beyond one episode or shares the same concept, two (2) episodes must be submitted to represent the series as a whole. The program may employ partial reenactment, stock footage, stills, animation, stop-motion, or other techniques, as long as the emphasis is on fact and not fiction.
United Kingdom has the most awards for this category with 23 (including wins for both BBC and Channel 4).