The Netflix docuseries on David Beckham won the Emmy for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series during the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys. BECKHAM is a four-part series about how he came into the limelight and the ups and downs he faced throughout his career.
Beckham, 49, couldn't make the ceremony in person but joined over a video call. Producer Fisher Stevens called him to make the announcement which was a special moment for his family and his fans. Beckham was touched and couldn't contain his excitement.
"Unbelievable," he said in a clip posted on the official Emmys Instagram page.
The docuseries resonated with fans and received great reviews. It brought in a new angle on his soccer career, his relationship with Victoria Beckham, and some of the challenges he had to face. This underlines how Beckham impacted the world outside of sports by showing his journey as a player and a public figure.
Journey of the Emmy-winning BECKHAM docuseries
BECKHAM is a Netflix documentary by Fisher Stevens, an Academy Award-winning producer. Released in October 2023, it offers an uncompromising view of Beckham's journey from a youngster at Manchester United to a globally touted superstar.
The series shows some of those moments that all the fans always speculated about, such as his rocky exit from his boyhood club. Stevens said in an interview with Netflix Tudum:
"Few have truly understood the man behind the headlines. This series allows people to see the real David Beckham—the highs and the lows."
This documentary provides a rare look into the life of Beckham both on and off the pitch. It features interviews with some of his closest friends and family, plus football legends such as Gary Neville and Sir Alex Ferguson.
In episode two, 'Seeing Red,' Victoria Beckham speaks candidly about her marriage and the aspects of life in the spotlight. She and her husband discuss the stress they were put under following Beckham's red card at the 1998 World Cup, which came hand in hand with death threats and endless media scrutiny.
"It was a dark time for both of us," Victoria admitted.
The creative team behind Netflix's BECKHAM
BECKHAM wasn't just a treat to the eyes; the production quality was praised too. At the Emmys, the show received nominations for a spate of categories: Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program and Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program.
Its storytelling set it apart from other nominees like Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV and Telemarketers. For John Battsek, the producer who teamed up with Stevens, the immersive nature made the show work:
"We wanted to do more than just recount David's career. We wanted to explore the emotional and personal layers that people might not expect from someone as famous as Beckham," Battsek explained.
An Emmy win cements it amongst the best sports docs on the streamer. As Beckham said during an interview with Netflix:
"It’s about more than just football; it’s about family, fame, and overcoming obstacles. This journey has been incredibly personal for me."
Watch BECKHAM streaming on Netflix.
