NFTS celebrates class of ’24 and double BAFTA winning glory

The National Film and Television School’s (NFTS) annual Graduate Showcase, proudly supported by BBC Studios, is a celebration of the past 12 months of student made productions.

This year’s Showcase took on extra significance with the remarkable double triumph at Sunday’s BAFTA ceremony for two outstanding NFTS films – fiction short Jellyfish and Lobster and animation Crab Day, both crafted by 2023’s cohort of graduating students.

Several NFTS alumni received awards from BAFTA for their work on Poor Things, Earth Mama and Zone of Interest, with countless others playing vital roles in films such as Oppenheimer, which secured an impressive seven BAFTA wins, including Best Film. BAFTA’s recognition of these collective achievements underscores the exceptional quality of the School’s student productions and emphasise its unparalleled commitment to nurturing top-tier creative talent.

The BAFTA wins set the stage for 2024’s NFTS Graduate Showcase which unfolded across four days of screenings and industry meet-and-greets at the BFI Southbank, presenting the exemplary work of the Class of ‘24. Created by the School’s most diverse cohort yet of film, television and games students, the innovative new slate showcased over 80 ground-breaking shorts, brand-new television formats, animations, documentaries, comedies, commercials and games. Across the week, hundreds of hours of new content premiered to influential industry members keen to witness the work of the next wave of dynamic, set ready creators and crew.

The celebratory atmosphere reached its peak today (Friday 23rd February) with a packed-out graduation ceremony at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square. The ceremony marked the conclusion of over 500 students training journey with the School, with NFTS President Lord David Puttnam and NFTS Chair Sophie Turner Laing both delivering inspirational speeches.

Production Design innovators Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer were awarded with a prestigious Honorary Fellowship by the NFTS in recognition of the exceptional contribution they have made to the film industry. Nominated for seven Oscars, including one for their most recent work on Barbie, the duo were also commended for their dedication to nurturing emerging talent within the craft of Production Design.

Students received awards at the graduation ceremony for the highest levels of achievement in production. Chosen annually by key NFTS industry partners; Sargent-Disc, Avid, Christie, IOSH and Panalux, the following graduating students were recognised for their stellar work:

Creative Business MA student Cody Updegrave was awarded the coveted Christie prize for the Most Promising Student, receiving a personalised crystal trophy alongside a prize of £1,000.

Ian Haig, Head of the NFTS Creative Business MA commented: “Cody has poured his heart and soul into the life of the School, leaving an indelible mark as student representative and through supporting the expansive spectrum of VFX productions across the NFTS. Not only is Cody extraordinarily kind, he also effortlessly tackles any challenges that come his way. Cody is a great leader and his smart, friendly and enormously hardworking approach have been pivotal in reshaping the Creative Business MA’s role throughout the School. Cody embodies the spirit of collaboration, inspiring other students to engage more deeply in projects while taking the time to listen and advise others. Above all, Cody stands out as an exceptionally talented individual who is an outstanding ambassador for the NFTS, contributing immensely to its success.”

Selected by a jury of 10 industry peers, the Panalux Award for Best Cinematography was awarded to Cinematography MA student Rufai Ajala for his work on Fiction film Que Te Vaya Bonito, Rico (May It Go Beautifully For You, Rico). Rufai was awarded a generous seven-day lighting hire package.

The film was considered a standout for its beautiful photography and unique style which suited the narrative. The Panalux jury commented: “The framing was considered and the patient cinematography offered beautiful, slow, long-developing shots in which the characters are given space to exist in their landscape. The lighting felt natural and, at the same time, brave, with interesting uses of shadow, silhouette, and hard light – all which elevated the script. Rufai has a distinct voice and style and a mature and confident eye.”

The 2024 Sargent-Disc Award was presented to two students graduating from the Production Management diploma. Helena Hunt and Carl Mason displayed excellent budgeting and cost control management as well as effective reporting skills. Sargent-Disc awarded the winning students with £500 and Final Draft software.

Dr Laurence Sargent, Director, Sargent-Disc said: “The students graduating from the NFTS today are the future of our industry. Their hard work, skill and creativity are critical to its ongoing success. Sargent-Disc is proud to support this year’s Production Managers with awards in addition to providing an annual scholarship for two Production Management students. We wish them every success as they embark on their careers.”

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Award of £1,000 for Health and Safety Management in Film Production was presented to fiction film Tapeworm.

Prizes were handed to two graduating students for their work on Tapeworm, Producing MA graduate Ella Richie and Olivia Song, graduate of the Production Management diploma.

NFTS Production Health and Safety Manager Sunny Bains, commented: “The creative ambitions of NFTS students continues to grow and it gives me huge pleasure to support and nurture their skills in risk management. The IOSH judges praised all the teams who made the shortlist, all were very close with their high safety standards. IOSH chose Tapeworm, who with their planning and prep on stunts and their approach with dynamic risk assessments ensured they could achieve what was required for the film safely. As always we would like to extend a huge thanks to IOSH for their continued support.”

The 2024 winner of the Avid Award for Excellence in Composing went to Composing MA graduate Rotem Frimer. Rotem was awarded Sibelius Ultimate software.

The Avid jury commented: “Rotem is awarded for her outstanding work in composition, her collaborative work and also for individual projects at AIR Studios.”

The Avid Award for Excellence in Sound Design went to Sound Design MA graduate Alina Ushakova. Alina was awarded Avid’s Pro Tools® Ultimate software.

The Avid jury commented: “Alina’s graduating work is technically and creatively outstanding. With the aim of maximising the expressive power of each one of their projects, they have worked with skill, inventiveness, precision and passion.”

The Avid Award for Excellence in Editing went to Editing MA graduate Yiwei Pu. Yiwei was awarded Avid Media Composer® Ultimate software.

The Avid jury said: “Yiwei has had an incredible two-year journey through the NFTS Editing MA. An editor whose confidence and creative input has grown exponentially with each project and whose contribution as a collaborator and friend has not gone unnoticed by their friends, colleagues and tutors. Yiwei is already seeing their work at the School be acknowledged by industry and we’re confident that they will continue this trajectory as they leave the NFTS.”

Congratulations to all this year’s prize-winning students and a huge thank you to all our industry partners and supporters!