On Saturday 28th February 2026, Young Film Academy hosted a once-in-a-generation showdown, bringing together standout filmmaking talent from across our programmes since 2016. Nominees and their guests joined us for a spectacular evening of red-carpet glamour, industry insiders, show-stopping prizes and an afterparty to remember — all at the historic Genesis Cinema in London, where Charlie Chaplin famously performed. The best films and performances from 10 years of the annual YFA Awards went head-to-head to claim an ALL STAR title, and the million dollar question was finally answered – what is the best YFA film EVER made?
10 years, 10 categories — judged by star-studded industry professionals, including Jamie Campbell, Executive Producer of Netflix smash-hit Sex Education and an Audience Award for Best Comedy, decided by YOU.
Students past and present had the opportunity to reconnect, network and meet their next filmmaking collaborators. This milestone event was testament to YFA’s commitment to inspire the next generation of filmmakers and a showcase of the astounding work they produce.

Here is our powerhouse lineup of incredible industry judges who reviewed the categories and made the decisions on who took home an ALL STAR award, bringing their expertise and experience to every choice.
Chinenye Ezeudu and Kedar Williams-Stirling are prominent British actors best known for their breakout roles as Viv and Jackson in Netflix’s BAFTA- and Emmy-winning series Sex Education. Chinenye has also starred in Netflix’s crime thriller series The Stranger and fantasy action film The School for Good and Evil. Kedar’s acclaimed performances include Wolfblood (CBBC) and Will, the historical drama television series exploring the early life of William Shakespeare.
Eddie Hamilton’s masterful film editing has shaped some of the most memorable cinematic moments of recent years. His portfolio includes global blockbusters such as Top Gun: Maverick, Kick-Ass, and the Mission: Impossible series — Rogue Nation, Fallout, Dead Reckoning, and Final Reckoning. His precision, storytelling instinct and mastery of pace have helped define modern action cinema.
Kate Phillips is a leading British actor and performer whose work spans television, film, and stage. She has captivated audiences with her compelling portrayals in acclaimed series such as Peaky Blinders, The Crown, and Downton Abbey, bringing depth, authenticity, and emotional resonance to each character she embodies.
Olly Williams is a renowned art director, whose credits include Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2, Loki (Marvel), Silo (Apple TV) and Bohemian Rhapsody (starring Rami Malek). He plays a vital role in building immersive and believable past worlds and bringing imagined landscapes vividly to life on screen, shaping the visual identity of major film and television productions.
Jamie Campbell is one of the UK’s top executive producers best known as the driving force behind Netflix’s smash hit Sex Education. His remarkable portfolio also includes the BAFTA-nominated eight-part drama Glue and The Enfield Haunting (SKY), making him a champion of bold, youth-focused storytelling.
Steven Bernstein is an acclaimed cinematographer, director and writer, whose work includes the Oscar-winning Monster (starring Charlize Theron), Like Water for Chocolate, White Chicks, Scary Movie, SWAT and more. Steven has built a career not only behind the camera but also as a teacher and author, helping filmmakers understand the deep connection between image and story.
Anna Smith is one of the UK’s top film critics and broadcast journalists. She is the former President of the UK Critics’ Circle, the host of the Girls On Film podcast and a regular film critic for BBC News, Time Out, Metro, Sight & Sound, Empire and more. She has spent over a decade interviewing major actors and directors on stage, on screen and in print. She has hosted Q&As with the likes of Julianne Moore, Emma Thompson, Hugh Jackman, Louis Theroux, Vanessa Hudgens and many more.
Rebekah Smith, known as The Film Festival Doctor, helps filmmakers navigate the festival circuit with innovative strategies and a focus on mental health. Since starting in 2009 as a producer for Wales’ Abertoir Horror Festival, she has founded her own company earning 2,500+ awards, including four Oscars.
Grace Dickinson is a professional animal trainer and handler specialising in exotic animals for film and television. She has worked with everything from big cats to crocodiles on large-scale productions like Fantastic Beasts, Enola Holmes, and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, making movie magic happen one incredible animal at a time.
Max Phillips, ANNA PAKER (2017)
Martha Alexander, VANISHED (2018)
Darcey Porter-Cassidy, CULT-FORD SCHOOL FOR GIRLS (2021)
Harry Jones, DETECTIVE COMEDY (2021)
Isla Kinns-Brown, SCARY MARY (2022)
George Robinson, THE FIXER (2021)
Jacob Whittle, HOW TO COURT A LADY (2024)
Anoushka Craggs, DOUBLES WITH THE DEVIL (2024)
Zoe Moulton-Barret, ZENITH (2025)
Emily Hinchcliffe, LEMONS (2023)
Sylvie Turner, TABLE FOR ONE (2021)
Nishika Ganguly, UNDER WATER (2023)
Archie Yates, BUTCH, CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE WANNABE (2024)
FIVE MORE MINUTES – BFI Film Academy (2017)
WHAT ABOUT ME – BFI Film Academy (2018)
ZSL LONDON ZOO DOCUMENTARY – London Zoo (2021)
FOOD FOR THOUGHT – Food Wave (2021)
Our audience category where the funniest YFA film ever is chosen by you. Vote HERE.
Walk through the doors of the iconic Genesis Cinema and relive the movie magic of early cinema pioneers and stars like Charlie Chaplin, who performed there live in the early 1900s. Steeped in over 175 years of history, this glorious building stands as one of London’s most beloved independent cinemas, complete with a grand auditorium, plush red seating and a soaring big screen. There’s no better stage to host the YFA ALL STARS.
