Festival Director Martin J. Thomas presents the UK Film Award to Stephen Fry
The UK Film Awards 2025 took place on Sunday 21 December at Metropolis, Epsom, bringing together filmmakers, actors and industry professionals to celebrate outstanding achievement in independent cinema across film, performance and screenwriting.
This year’s ceremony showcased an exceptional breadth of talent across all genres of feature films, short films, animation, documentary, AI film and screenplays, with strong international participation and a competitive awards race throughout the evening.
Two films in particular emerged as the standout short films of the night: A Friend of Dorothy, directed by Lee Knight and produced by James Dean, and Hearts of Stone, directed and produced by Tom Van Avermaet. Both titles collected multiple awards and went head-to-head in the Best Director and Best Short Film categories, becoming the focal point of the ceremony’s most closely watched honours.
British actor, writer and broadcaster Stephen Fry, widely regarded as a national treasure, received the Highlight Performance award for A Friend of Dorothy. He was presented with his award by Martin J. Thomas in London’s West End, where he was appearing in The Importance of Being Earnest. Stephen Fry also provided a video acceptance that was played live to the audience on the night. Director Lee Knight was also honoured with the Best Director (short film) for the film.
Internationally acclaimed Hollywood A-lister Noomi Rapace received the Best Actress award for Hearts of Stone, sending a video acceptance that was screened during the ceremony. The film’s writer-director Tom Van Avermaet was awarded Best Screenplay, further cementing Hearts of Stone as one of the most decorated films of the night.
Veteran performer Miriam Margolyes and British comedy icon Perry Benson were both honoured with Outstanding Achievement Awards, with Margolyes contributing a filmed acceptance from Italy.
Additional acting honours included Kim Bodnia, widely known for his role in Killing Eve, received Best Supporting Actor for Nefarious, and veteran television actress Samantha Seager, known for her work on Coronation Street and numerous UK television series, won Best Supporting Actress for Invincible, with that movie winning Best Drama and director Emma Croft awarded Best Director.
Rising talent was a strong focus of the ceremony, with rising star Jessica Barden, known for the hit series End of the F***ing World, collecting Best Supporting Actress in a short film for Hearts of Stone. Barden also provided a surpise video acceptance. Actor Alistair Nwachukwu attended the event in person to receive the Best Newcomer award for A Friend of Dorothy, alongside the female recipient for Best Newcomer Lily Storey for her debut performance in Gan Cany which also won Best Comedy Drama . Jonny Labey, known for roles in Hollyoaks and EastEnders, received Best Actor for his powerful short film Swirl State.
The UK Film Awards continues to champion independent filmmakers by providing industry recognition through an IMDb-recognised awards platform, live screenings and professional networking opportunities.
Press Release | UK Film Awards 2025
Celebrating Independent Filmmakers
The UK Film Awards is an IMDb credited Film Festival
An International Film Festival with over 40 awards! This year we have amazing new cash & personalised prizes, and 120 projects were selected last year!
MISSION STATEMENT
The UK Film Awards honours excellence across all areas of filmmaking — from the vision of directors and writers to the artistry of performers and the skill of the crew who bring each story to life.
Now in our second year, the festival continues to celebrate both established and emerging talent from around the world, shining a spotlight on originality, craft, and cinematic impact.
