Which award category did My Father's Shadow win at the 2026 BAFTAs?

My Father’s Shadow won the 2026 BAFTA for Outstanding Debut. The award recognised writer-director Akinola Davies Jr. and his co-writer and producer brother, Wale Davies, for their first feature film.

The Nigerian-set drama follows a father and his two sons during a single day in Lagos in 1996, when political tensions and the presidential election crisis shape their family journey. Its intimate story grew from Davies Jr.’s interest in memory, family and Nigerian history.

The category is formally titled Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer. It is often confused with Best British Film or Best Director, but it specifically celebrates emerging filmmaking talent and can honour more than one collaborator. My Father’s Shadow was also selected as the United Kingdom’s entry for the 98th Academy Awards, although it did not receive an Oscar nomination.