The 100 year old scooped the TV presenter prize, having been nominated alongside Alison Hammond, Ant and Dec, Claudia Winkleman and Stacey Solomon.
Although Sir David was absent from the ceremony, a speech was delivered on his behalf.
He said: “I hope this award is a response to the part television has played in growing recognition, not only for the terrible plight our wonderful planet is in as a result of human activity but also of the fact we now have a pressing responsibility to do what we can to protect and conserve it.
“I am honoured indeed. We are increasingly aware that if we are to repair the planet we need major national and international initiatives which certainly require our support, but it is also possible to make small differences in our own spaces and neighbourhoods.
“If enough small differences are made they do add up to doing something significant, while also providing spaces that we do enjoy being in and nurturing.”
Attenborough added: “Humanity has always needed the natural world for all the practicalities of life and for our mental wellbeing. Now the natural world needs us too. Surely we must not ignore that simple fact.”
The internationally adored naturalist received two NTA nominations this year, with his nature documentary Secret Garden also recognised in the factual entertainment category.
However, it was Gogglebox that walked away with that particular accolade. Sir David launched his presenting journey fronting Zoo Quest in 1954, subsequently helming documentary programmes The Life Collection, Natural World, Wildlife on One, the Planet Earth franchise, The Blue Planet and Frozen Planet.
The documentary was originally released in 2023 but is now available on HBO Max, NOW and more. It’s left many fews with “goosebumps” after watching the “haunting” ending
The documentary follows a young man who was no stranger to filming his entire life – but then things took a dramatic turn (Image: HBO)
It can be tricky deciding which documentaries to devote your time to, especially with so much choice on offer. But an “unforgettable” documentary has earned praise for its emotional depth and “haunting”, chilling conclusion that lingers with audiences long after the final credits.
There’s an abundance of thought-provoking, powerful and compelling documentaries available across numerous streaming services like NOW, Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and beyond. Those seeking greater insight into our world and the cosmos can indulge in the various David Attenborough-led programmes like Life on Earth, Planet Earth and countless others.
True crime devotees have no shortage of options, with the likes of Making a Murderer, Girl in the Picture, Fred & Rose West: A British Horror Story, and plenty more capturing global audiences.
But for those yearning for something slightly different, a 2023 documentary currently streaming on HBO Max might prove the ideal solution.
Lots of telly fans head to social media while searching for their next marathon viewing session and popular TikTok content creator Luke Ecclestone, who shares content online as Eccy Reviews, has emerged as a trusted resource for many audiences.
Luke has accumulated hundreds of thousands of followers across social media where he offers his thoughts and analysis on various films and television programmes.
What is 2023’s Daniel about?
In a recent video uploaded to TikTok, he highlighted the 2023 documentary, Daniel, which chronicles the life of Daniel Northcott, who started filming his life from just seven after acquiring his dad’s video camera.
Luke began: “You need to cancel whatever you [were] planning on watching tonight because I’ve just gone and found you the perfect documentary to go and watch.
“It is emotional, it will send shivers down your spine, and you genuinely never will forget the ending.”
He continued: “The documentary you need to see is called Daniel. Now, this is available on HBO Max and if you’re someone who’s seen it, you’ll know exactly why I’m talking about it.
“[This documentary] follows Daniel, who at a young age is given a film camera. He begins to document his whole entire life into his 20s, when he begins to explore the whole world.”
However, circumstances soon shifted dramatically for Daniel.
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Luke explained: “He becomes a teacher in Asia until one day, he goes into this Mayan cave, where he is drawn to this rock.
“He decides he wants to take it home, but he is advised not to because of the bad spirits, etc, etc. However, after the warnings, he begins to take the rock home.
“And three months later, he is diagnosed with leukaemia. Now, he begins to document his journey with cancer.
“It is very emotional, it is very personal, it will definitely bring a tear to your eye. When he begins to remember about this rock, he cannot find it – and it becomes a documentary that is super entertaining, but emotional.
“Genuinely, when you get towards the end of this documentary, you will never, ever forget what happens. So make sure you go and head over to HBO Max – go and check out Daniel.”
How did viewers react to Daniel?
In the comments section, fellow TikTok users were eager to voice their opinions. One person said: “It’s absolutely brilliant but very haunting.” Another said: “Best documentary.”
A third commented: “Just watched it on Sky Docs, wow! One of the most powerful documentaries I’ve seen for a long time, good shout.” While a fourth said: “Daniel documentary absolutely broke me and [I] get goosebumps every time I think of that ending.”
Someone else shared: “This was such a bittersweet watch.” And another viewer added: “I can confirm, the ending gave me the shivers. Wow!”
