Louvart and Fargeat win big at Girls On Film Awards

The Girls on Film Awards 2025 honoured outstanding contributions to women in film at Curzon Bloomsbury, hosted by Anna Smith and Hedda Archbold of the Girls on Film Podcast.

Hélène Louvart AFC claimed Best Cinematography for her evocative work on La Chimera, triumphing over a competitive field that included Alice Brooks ASC (Wicked), Maria von Hausswolff DFF (Janet Planet), Polly Morgan ASC BSC (Back to Black), and Tasha Back (In Camera). Louvart, currently shooting overseas, shared her gratitude in a video message, calling the recognition “a privilege” and “an honour.”

Shiori Itō’s Black Box Diaries, documenting her sexual assault investigation and legal battle in Japan, won Best Documentary Feature, with Itō sending a video message acknowledging the importance of giving such stories a voice.

Veteran director Mike Leigh received the Girls on Film Ally Award for championing women’s voices in films like Hard Truths. Best Performance in a Leading Role went to Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who praised Leigh in her acceptance video for providing women with empowering platforms.

Best Feature Film, was awarded to The Substance, with writer and director Coralie Fargeat accepting the award in person. “The movie was meant for me to mirror what women have to face in their everyday life by society and it’s not nice, it’s not subtle, it’s not delicate,” she said.

Among the attendees was actress and comedian, impressionist and actor Ronni Ancona, who added her support to the celebration of women’s achievements in cinema.