The Newport Beach Film Festival made a triumphant return to London last night, bringing together some of the brightest stars from the UK and Ireland’s creative industries. Hosted at the ultra-glamorous Raffles London at The OWO, the event was packed with talent, laughter, and heartfelt speeches—none more so than from the legendary Sir Stephen Fry and rising star Ambika Mod, who both stole the show in their own way.
Stephen Fry: from “hopeless” schoolboy to industry icon
The highest honour of the night, the Icon Award, was presented to Sir Stephen Fry, who, in classic Fry fashion, delivered a speech that was equal parts humble, witty, and deeply inspiring. Reflecting on his journey, he quipped:
“I grew up hopeless at everything and mocked at school,” before adding that storytelling had changed his life. Looking around at the honourees, he praised the new generation of talent, saying: “To see the wit, fire, and diversity of these young people… I hope in 20 to 30 years, they will win one of these Icon Awards.”
Frankly, if Stephen Fry tells you you’re doing great, you can probably retire right there.
Honestly, if Stephen Fry tells you you’re doing great, you might as well frame the moment.
Ambika Mod’s breakout moment: “I want to see more brown women on TV”
One of the evening’s most talked-about winners was Ambika Mod, who took home the first-ever Spotlight Award—a brand-new category recognising performers on the brink of major stardom.
Mod, who catapulted to fame with her heart-wrenching performance in One Day, used her speech to highlight the importance of representation:
“I want to see more brown women on TV—I hope this is the start of that.”
Given the impact of her role in One Day, it’s safe to say that Mod’s presence on our screens is only just beginning. Also recognised in this category were Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer), Joe Alwyn (The Brutalist), and Will Sharpe (A Real Pain).
Artists of distinction: celebrating British & Irish excellence
Receiving the Artist of Distinction honours were three powerhouses of film and TV:
Emma Corrin (Nosferatu, Deadpool & Wolverine)
Felicity Jones (The Brutalist)
Sharon Horgan (Bad Sisters)
Horgan, known for her razor-sharp writing and acting, was especially moved by the celebration of creativity:
“I took this year off writing to live a little and get inspired, and genuinely, I’ve been so inspired by everyone who has been honoured tonight.”
The Breakout Awards went to Adam Pearson (A Different Man), Joe Locke (Heartstopper), Marisa Abela (Back to Black), and Mia Threapleton (The Buccaneers). Pearson made an impassioned call for inclusivity in the industry:
“I want to separate disability and inability—storytelling is all about risk.”
Meanwhile, Variety’s 10 Brits to Watch list, highlighting the next wave of talent set to make it big, included names like Abigail Thorn, Ava Wong-Davies, Erin Kellyman, Nabhaan Rizwan, and Varada Sethu.
A star-studded night of celebration
The event saw a mix of industry veterans and rising stars, with guests including Lisa McGee (Derry Girls), Gemma Whelan (Game of Thrones), and Munroe Bergdorf, alongside key industry figures like Dame Pippa Harris and Amanda Berry.
For over two decades, the Newport Beach Film Festival has championed both emerging and established talent. Its UK & Ireland Honours, running since 2015, continue to spotlight the best of British and Irish cinema.
