BFI & Chanel Filmmaker Award: ‘Ish’ Director Imran Perretta Among 2026 Winners
The BFI and Chanel have named four winners of their fifth annual Filmmaker Awards, recognising UK filmmakers behind a range of films. Each winner receives £20,000, intended to support their next steps and creative risks.
The 2026 winners are Rich Felgate for *We, The Hated*, Olive Nwosu for *Lady*, Imran Perretta for *Ish*, and Rachel Taparjan for *Something Familiar*. The awards were presented at a London luncheon by a jury led by Edward Enninful, Marie-Louise Khondji and BFI chief executive Ben Roberts, with Jessie Buckley and Gwendoline Christie also on the jury. Past winners include Savannah Leaf, whose *Earth Mama* was followed by a BAFTA for Best Debut British Writer.
- Four filmmakers share the 2026 BFI and Chanel awards.
- Each winner receives £20,000.
- Imran Perretta is recognised for *Ish*.
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The BFI is the UK’s organisation for film culture, supporting filmmaking, cinemas and film education. Chanel, the fashion house, partners with the BFI on these annual awards for UK filmmakers.
The awards recognise filmmakers at different stages of their careers, with each recipient receiving £20,000 to help develop future work. The four selected films span different stories and approaches, while previous winners have gone on to make feature films and receive major industry recognition.
The awards matter because funding and recognition can help filmmakers take creative risks and build their careers. They also bring attention to a range of people making films in the UK.