Jessie Buckley urges film industry to back grassroots talent over Oscar campaigns

Jessie Buckley urged the film industry to provide stronger support for filmmakers working outside established structures rather than focusing chiefly on Oscar campaigns. She made the comments at the BFI and Chanel filmmaker awards in London.

Buckley agreed with John Malkovich’s view that Oscar campaigns are now often needed to bring audiences into cinemas. She also said the emphasis on promotion affects the wider workforce, including actors, directors, crews and marketing teams.

The ceremony named four recipients, each receiving £20,000 to develop their work. The jury included Buckley, Gwendoline Christie, BFI chief executive Ben Roberts, Edward Enninful and Marie-Louise Khondji.

Four winning film projects

Rich Felgate was recognised for We, the Hated, a documentary about Just Stop Oil protesters and the personal consequences of taking part in a polarising movement. The jury described it as “urgent and brave”.

Olive Nwosu won for her debut feature Lady, set in Lagos and following one of the city’s few female taxi drivers as she becomes drawn into the life of a childhood friend who is now a sex worker.

Imran Perretta was recognised for Ish, a black-and-white film about two 12-year-old friends from Luton’s South Asian and Middle Eastern community. Their relationship is tested after a police stop and search; the jury praised the film’s exploration of racial profiling.

Rachel Taparjan received the award for Something Familiar, her debut feature documentary about searching for her missing sisters after she was adopted from Romania and brought to the UK as a child.

Buckley on independent cinema

Buckley pointed to low-budget films including Obsession and Backrooms. She said audiences watched them because of their quality rather than their intellectual property or an established record of success.

She added that We, the Hated had made her reconsider the role of protest in society. Buckley said the industry needed to understand protesters more fully and support the next generation of filmmakers.

The BFI and Chanel awards, which recognise creative audacity and ambition, have been running since 2022. Previous recipients include Harry Lighton and Savanah Leaf.