Participant Media (formerly known as Participant Productions) is an American film and television production company which finances and produces socially relevant films and documentaries. The company is described as being politically active: its films are typically based on current events and topical subjects and presented in such a way to inspire viewers to advocate for social change. The studio has produced or co-produced a number of award-winning fiction films and documentaries. By the end of its second year in business, its films had been nominated for 11 Academy Awards. By the end of the 2011 awards season, its films had been nominated for Oscars 22 times, and won five statuettes.