Documentarian Ken Burns shared an exclusive insight into his childhood reading habits, revealing that he felt “embarrassed” as a kid because while his friends were engrossed in novels, he preferred delving into encyclopedias. The critically acclaimed filmmaker, known for his prolific body of work that spans over 40 films such as “Leonardo DaVinci,” “The American Buffalo,” “The U.S. and the Holocaust,” and the upcoming “The American Revolution,” was recently honoured with the Critics Choice Impact Award at the 10th annual ceremony in New York City on Nov. 9. Burns fondly shared his early love for history and how it shaped his career trajectory.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/ken-burns-critics-choice2-111025-05ccf2221e9345229d9bab0e4ee15381.jpg)
During an interview at the event, Ken Burns reminisced about his childhood passion for reading encyclopedias, a choice that set him apart from his peers who were engrossed in novels. He recounted how people in his history classes predicted his future path, despite his initial ambitions of becoming a writer or filmmaker unrelated to history. This early fascination with learning and history laid the foundation for Burns’ renowned storytelling style that has captivated audiences worldwide through his numerous documentaries.
Burns candidly shared that by the age of 12, he had already determined that filmmaking was his calling. His academic journey led him to Hampshire College, where he was immersed in a community of documentary filmmakers and photographers, solidifying his path towards creating impactful historical documentaries. Reflecting on his evolution as a filmmaker, Burns expressed gratitude for the opportunity to dedicate five decades to bringing history to life through his films, a career choice he deems as the “best job in the country.”
Christine Baranski, an Emmy winner, presented Ken Burns with the prestigious Impact Award, acknowledging his significant contributions to the world of documentary filmmaking. Recognised as a trailblazer in the industry, Burns’ work has illuminated shared stories, made complex issues accessible to broader audiences, and sparked meaningful dialogues that inspire reflection and action. The Critics Choice Association lauded Burns for deepening the nation’s understanding of its history, portraying it as vivid and engaging rather than dusty and distant.
In his acceptance speech, Ken Burns expressed his gratitude to PBS for their unwavering support of his films and nonfiction storytelling endeavours. He humbly accepted the accolades and celebrated the exceptional group of filmmakers he was honoured to be among. With a touch of humour and historical reference, Burns underscored the enduring relevance of history through a poignant message delivered by one of his documentary characters, highlighting the resilience and transformative power of the human spirit across time.
Ken Burns’ profound impact on documentary filmmaking continues to resonate as his latest project, the six-part docuseries “The American Revolution,” is set to premiere on PBS on Nov. 16. Through his meticulous storytelling and unique perspective, Burns invites audiences to explore history in a new light, challenging perceptions and igniting a passion for understanding the past. His unwavering dedication to preserving and sharing stories that shape our collective narrative reinforces his status as a visionary in the world of documentary cinema.