Iris Prize Unveils Best British Award Winners For 2026

The organisers of the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival – celebrating global stories and Cardiff charm are thrilled to announce that the winner of the Iris Prize Best British Short Film Award sponsored by Film4 and Pinewood Studios is Darius Shu, for Molly. Darius produced Queer Parivaar, which won Best British Short at Iris Prize 2022 and had its World Premiere at BFI Flare 2022. He is a cinematographer and producer who loves telling poetic visual stories with striking imagery. 

Darius was named the winner during tonight’s (Fri 16 October) Best British Awards on at Cineworld, Cardiff.   

Molly tells the story of a chance encounter at a launderette which sparks a meaningful connection between Vinnie and Ryan. As closeness blurs into desire, they are forced to confront what love demands before it fractures everything they have built. 

The winner of the Iris Prize Best British award will be invited to be part of the 2027 Iris Prize Best British Jury. All films in the Best British 2026 shortlist will be broadcast and streamed on Channel 4 for one year. A licence fee will be paid to all shortlisted Best British filmmakers.  

This is what the Best British Jury – Tim Highsted, Chris Urch, Elena Schmitz, Guto Rhun, and Neil Moffatt – had to say about Molly:

“With its striking visuals, sensitive performances and delicate handling of its original and less frequently examined subject matter, this is a bold and original drama.  

“The jury gives special mention to the documentary Life Of Kai citing its filmmaker’s dedication in bringing Kai Young’s extraordinary journey and inspiring story to audiences. Special mention also goes to Yellow Bucket for its heartfelt, joyful and quirky portrayal of parental love and its lightness of tone, whilst also raising serious questions about true freedom of choice.” 

Life of Kai, directed by Fox Fisher

A decade-long chronicle of Kai, a young trans boy coming of age amidst a shifting landscape of trans rights in the UK, as he navigates the complexities of identity, acceptance, medical transition and the pursuit of happiness. 

Yellow Bucket, directed by Simon Brooke 

A scientific discovery shakes Connor and his family. 

Berwyn Rowlands, Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival Director, said:

“I’m thrilled that Darius is our 2026 Best British winner. It doesn’t happen often, but when you know the filmmaker well — Darius joined us as a guest for Iris on the Move a few years ago — it feels a little like celebrating a win for one of the family.  

“I’m not involved in the decision-making process — and trying to influence the jury is never a good idea! So, when the result was announced, I was genuinely delighted. I will leave the jury to explain their decision.”  

Here are the Best British Performance awards winners: 

Best Performance in a Female Role – Sarah Ridgeway for the role of Jan in Yellow Bucket  

Best Performance in a Male Role – Eben Figueiredo for the role of Magid in Magid / Zafar   

Best Performance in a Role Beyond the Binary – Lilit Lesser for the role of Noah in Bluebird  

The jury included Kat Ronney, a Scottish actress and winner of the award for Best Performance in a Female Role 2025 for Hot Young Geek Seeks Bloodsucking Freaks, and Jay Newton, a Scottish actor and winner of the Best Performance in a Male Role 2025 for Sleazy Tiger.

“It was an incredibly strong year, but these performances stood out in a way that really resonated for us. Eben’s work displayed a sensational range between hard-hitting energy and vulnerability. Sarah’s performance felt beautifully lived in and effortlessly natural. Lilit’s performance was wistful, soft and felt wonderfully wise beyond their years. All were a privilege to watch.”  

Channel 4 Streaming

From midnight on Friday 16 October / early Saturday 17 October, all 15 Best British shortlisted films will be available to watch on Channel 4 as part of three Best British compilation programmes. 

The individual films will also be added to Channel 4 streaming, although these may appear at slightly different times following the initial launch. 

Channel 4 Broadcast 

The first Best British compilation/programme is currently scheduled to air on Channel 4 at 1:15am on Saturday 17 October.