The Newport Beach Film Festival has announced its honourees for the U.K. and Ireland Honors event, recognising rising stars and established talents in film and television. Set to take place on 13th February at Raffles London at The OWO, the event is a partnership with Variety magazine, which will also celebrate its 10 Brits to Watch.
Among those to be honoured are Adam Pearson, Ambika Mod, David Jonsson, and Harris Dickinson. This year, the festival introduces two categories—Breakout Awards for emerging talent and Spotlight Awards for those at pivotal career moments.
Pearson is recognised for his performance in A Different Man, while Marisa Abela earns a Breakout Award for her portrayal in Back to Black. Jonsson is lauded for his role in Alien: Romulus, and Joe Locke gains recognition for his work in both Heartstopper and Agatha All Along. Completing the Breakout category, Mia Threapleton is celebrated for her role in The Buccaneers.
The newly introduced Spotlight Awards will honour Ambika Mod for her performance in One Day, Harris Dickinson for Babygirl, and Will Sharpe for A Real Pain. Joe Alwyn receives the award for his role in The Brutalist, and Jessica Gunning is celebrated for her work in Baby Reindeer.
Gary Sherwin, President and CEO of Visit Newport Beach, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, “Newport Beach Film Festival remains committed to championing talent at all stages of their careers, from a wide range of backgrounds, who have made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. This year’s honourees have delivered outstanding performances in some of the most talked-about films and series of the year. We are thrilled to return to London to celebrate British and Irish talent in a way that is bigger and brighter than ever.”
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The U.K. and Ireland Honors have previously recognised notable talents including Nicola Coughlan, Ncuti Gatwa, Aimee Lou Wood, Gemma Chan, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Paul Mescal. With a tradition of celebrating emerging and established artists, the Newport Beach Film Festival continues to be a significant platform for international talent.
While the honourees for other categories are yet to be announced, the anticipation surrounding the event is palpable. The Newport Beach Film Festival itself is scheduled to return for its main programme from 16th to 23rd October, promising another year of showcasing remarkable cinematic works.
As the British and Irish film industries continue to thrive, the Newport Beach Film Festival’s recognition serves as a testament to the rich pool of talent emanating from these regions. From breakout stars making their mark to seasoned actors reaching new heights, this year’s U.K. and Ireland Honors highlight the diverse storytelling and dynamic performances that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
