Image Nation Abu Dhabi’s critically-acclaimed film ‘Free Solo’ has been awarded Best Documentary Feature at the Academy Awards 2019.

The awards, often called the Oscars, are the film industry’s highest honor.

Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, the 2018 documentary follows rock climber Alex Honnold’s death-defying ascent of El Capitan – a 3,000 foot high vertical rock in Yosemite National Park – with no ropes or safety gear.

‘Free Solo’ has received glowing reviews from critics, with an outstanding 98% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

To date the film has grossed a record-breaking $17.2 million at the box office. It has received 43 nominations and 16 awards, including Best Documentary at the prestigious British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs).

The documentary was produced by Parkes+MacDonald Image Nation alongside Little Monster Films and National Geographic.

‘Free Solo’ will be shown on National Geographic in the region in spring 2019.