When actor Paul Reubens died of cancer in 2023 at the age of 70, it came as a shock to filmmaker Matt Wolf, director of Pee-wee as Himself. They had spent many, many hours together in interviews for the HBO documentary, yet Reubens never told Wolf about his cancer diagnosis.
What Reubens kept from people – his sexuality, after he became famous, or much of anything about his personal life – became a central theme of Wolf’s exploration of the gifted comedic performer. Pee-wee as Himself scored five Emmy nominations, tied for the most of any nonfiction film or series this year. Wolf joins the new edition of Deadline’s Doc Talk podcast to discuss his film, shedding light on a project that became a power struggle between filmmaker and subject over control of the narrative. He also shares his earliest memories of encountering the work of Reubens and how it inspired him as a child to obtain a coveted Pee-wee Herman pull-string doll.
On today’s episode we also speak with Katie Walsh, director and executive producer of Simone Biles Rising, the four-part Netflix documentary that is Emmy-nominated for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series. Walsh tells how she became part of the small inner circle of the Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast, who is universally considered the GOAT in her sport. That trust (in contrast to the Matt Wolf-Paul Reubens relationship) allowed Walsh to create an intimate portrait of the athlete who talks openly about the psychological crisis that prompted her to withdraw from the gymnastics events at the Tokyo Olympics in the middle of the competition.
The Emmy success of Simone Biles Rising and Pee-wee as Himself indicate the willingness of Television Academy voters to recognize nonfiction content that focuses on famous people. The same cannot necessarily be said of the Motion Picture Academy’s documentary branch, which remains somewhat allergic to “celebrity docs.” Doc Talk co-hosts John Ridley and Matt Carey discuss the proper criteria for evaluating documentaries centering on prominent subjects (another case in point being the Irene Taylor documentary I Am: Celine Dion, nominated for an Emmy in the juried category of Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking). If there’s one thing we can be sure of, it’s that we will not lack for celebrity-oriented documentaries in the foreseeable future.
Celebrity documentaries have taken the entertainment world by storm. They’re no longer just about telling life stories—they’re about capturing the essence of a person, showing the struggle behind the success, and giving audiences an intimate look at icons they thought they already knew. Emmy-nominated directors behind Pee-wee As Himself and Simone Biles Rising have mastered this art, transforming personal narratives into cultural moments. In this article, we’ll dive deep into how these directors craft award-worthy documentaries, the strategies that make their work stand out, and the lessons they bring to storytelling at large.
The Rise of Celebrity Documentaries
Celebrity documentaries are not new, but their cultural significance has exploded in recent years. Platforms like Netflix, HBO, and Amazon Prime have given directors the freedom to tell stories with depth, scale, and intimacy. Viewers don’t just want glossy success stories anymore; they want raw, real, and emotional narratives.
So, why do some documentaries earn Emmy nominations while others barely make a ripple? The answer lies in craft—how a director chooses to tell the story.
Meet the Minds Behind the Emmy Nominations
Pee-wee As Himself
This documentary dives into the life of Paul Reubens, the man behind Pee-wee Herman, exploring not just the character’s cultural impact but also Reubens’ personal journey. The director blends nostalgia, humor, and honesty, making it relatable for audiences across generations.
Simone Biles Rising
Simone Biles’ story is one of grit, resilience, and vulnerability. This film doesn’t just glorify her Olympic victories; it shows the battles she fought behind closed doors. The director skillfully balances athletic triumphs with deeply human struggles, creating a powerful portrait of a modern icon.
The Art of Storytelling in Documentaries
Balancing Truth and Entertainment
Good documentaries do more than inform; they entertain without distorting reality. These Emmy-nominated works strike that balance by blending archival footage, candid interviews, and cinematic storytelling.
Finding the Human Core
Whether it’s Pee-wee’s quirky legacy or Simone Biles’ emotional resilience, the directors knew one thing: audiences connect with vulnerability. Showing flaws and fears makes the story relatable.
The Role of Intimacy
Intimate storytelling sets these films apart. Viewers get behind-the-scenes access—moments of laughter, breakdowns, or quiet reflection that never make it into headlines.
Crafting Emotion That Resonates
Building a Narrative Arc
Every documentary has a beginning, middle, and end, much like a scripted film. But in celebrity documentaries, the challenge is avoiding predictability. For example, Simone Biles’ journey wasn’t framed only around her victories—it showcased her doubts, pressure, and the courage to prioritize mental health.
Music and Visual Storytelling
Soundtracks shape emotion. In Pee-wee As Himself, whimsical music mirrors the eccentricity of the character, while in Simone Biles Rising, soaring scores highlight both triumph and struggle. Visuals—archival clips, behind-the-scenes footage, and carefully staged shots—bring authenticity.
The Director’s Responsibility
Directors carry the weight of portraying celebrities honestly without exploiting them. They decide what to reveal, what to hold back, and how to respect both truth and privacy.
What Makes a Documentary Award-Worthy?
Depth Over Glamour
Audiences crave honesty. Emmy-nominated works avoid surface-level storytelling. Instead, they dig into what makes a star human—loneliness, sacrifice, and perseverance.
Strong Editing Choices
Editing shapes pacing and emotion. The right cut can make a scene heartbreaking or inspiring. In award-winning documentaries, every frame has a purpose.
Universal Themes
Though centered on celebrities, these stories touch universal themes: identity, resilience, creativity, and pressure. That’s why they resonate beyond fan bases.
The Power of Vulnerability
Simone Biles’ openness about mental health turned her documentary into more than a sports story—it became a cultural conversation. Pee-wee’s tale of reinvention carried a similar weight, reminding viewers of second chances.
Challenges Directors Face
Balancing Public Persona and Private Self
Celebrities often live behind carefully constructed images. Directors must peel back those layers without alienating fans or losing the subject’s trust.
Navigating Sensitive Topics
Whether it’s personal struggles, controversies, or career setbacks, directors walk a fine line between honesty and exploitation.
Why Viewers Connect With These Stories
A Mirror to Ourselves
Viewers may never win Olympic medals or build cultural icons, but they know what it feels like to struggle, dream, or start over. That shared humanity creates emotional investment.
Escaping and Relating at the Same Time
Celebrity documentaries let audiences step into glamorous lives while still seeing the flaws that make those stars human. It’s both aspirational and relatable.
Future of Celebrity Documentaries
As audiences demand more authenticity, celebrity documentaries will continue to evolve. Expect more stories about resilience, mental health, and cultural identity rather than just highlight reels of success. Directors who embrace vulnerability and honesty will set the standard for the next generation of Emmy-worthy storytelling.
Conclusion
Celebrity documentaries like Pee-wee As Himself and Simone Biles Rising prove that award-worthy films don’t just tell us about stars—they show us the raw, unpolished truth behind their journeys. Directors earn Emmy nods not by glorifying fame but by crafting narratives that balance intimacy, honesty, and cinematic beauty. At their core, these stories remind us that behind every headline or medal, there’s a deeply human experience worth exploring.
