In its citation, the Peabody Board said that the documentary was "a brilliantly produced account of Leonard Bernstein's life, career, and music.... It composes an audio symphony on the theme on an American musical giant."
The Peabody Awards are administered by the University of Georgia. They recognize "distinguished achievement and meritorious service by radio and television networks, stations, producing organizations, cable television organizations, and individuals." The awards will be presented at a ceremony in New York on May 16.