BFI & Chanel Name 2026 Filmmaker Award Winners — SkimNews
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- BFI announced the 2026 winners of its Filmmaker Awards in partnership with Chanel, selecting four UK-based director-writer teams for their bold and emotionally resonant work.
- Imran Perretta won for his film Ish, recognized in his role as director, co-writer, and composer, marking a multidisciplinary contribution to the project.
- Rich Felgate, Olive Nwosu, and Rachel Taparjan were also awarded for their films We, The Hated, Lady, and Something Familiar, respectively, each cited for their startling and moving storytelling.
- Edward Enninful OBE, Marie-Louise Khondji, and Ben Roberts formed the jury that selected the winners, who were presented the awards at a luncheon at Claridge’s in London.
- Jessie Buckley and Gwendoline Christie joined the 2026 jury and participated in announcing the winners, adding high-profile support to the initiative.
- Ben Roberts stated the award aims to give filmmakers 'the space and freedom to continue to take risks and be audacious,' continuing a program that has previously launched careers like Savannah Leaf’s, a 2023 winner who went on to win a 2024 BAFTA.
Why it matters: Four independent filmmakers gain £20,000 and industry recognition at a critical stage, increasing their capacity to develop future projects without commercial pressure. The BFI-Chanel partnership has now consistently funneled support into early-career talent, with past winners achieving BAFTAs and major commissions, reinforcing its role as a launchpad for British film.
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