Why is the BFI London Film Festival important for awards season?

The BFI London Film Festival is now a crucial stop on the road to the Oscars, as it is home to 800 AMPAS voters, 7% of the total, and 15% of the international voting bloc.

What are studios and streamers doing to court voters at the BFI London Film Festival?

Studios and streamers are throwing lavish events, screenings, and parties to target BAFTA, AMPAS, and guild members attending the festival, recognizing its growing importance as an awards season launchpad.

How has the 2025 BFI London Film Festival transformed compared to previous years?

The 2025 BFI London Film Festival has seen an unprecedented surge in industry activity, with streamers and studios pouring resources into events, talent appearances, and special screenings to capture the attention of the growing international voting bloc.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / LFF Becomes Glitzy Awards Launchpad as Studios Vie for Votes

LFF Becomes Glitzy Awards Launchpad as Studios Vie for Votes

17 Oct, 2025

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Summary

LFF now a crucial awards season curtain-raiser
Streamers and studios throwing resources and star power
London home to 800 AMPAS voters, 15% of total

LFF Becomes Glitzy Awards Launchpad as Studios Vie for Votes

The 2025 BFI London Film Festival has emerged as a crucial awards season curtain-raiser, with streamers and studios throwing unprecedented resources and star power to court the 800 AMPAS voters based in the UK, which make up 7% of the total. The festival's annual Netflix brunch has become a hub of industry activity, with A-listers like Jacob Elordi, Oscar Isaac, and Mia Goth mingling with voters and press.

Beyond the festival screenings, there has been a flurry of special events, Q&As, and parties targeting BAFTA, AMPAS, and guild members. Films like "Hamnet," "Frankenstein," and "Hedda" have been given the royal treatment, with multiple screenings, talent appearances, and even elaborate exhibitions. Distributors are now planning entire European tours around their film's London dates, recognizing the festival's growing importance as a launchpad for awards campaigns.

This surge in activity reflects London's status as home to 15% of the AMPAS voting body, a figure that has been steadily rising. The 2025 Oscars underlined the influence of this international bloc, with multiple wins for films like "Anora" and "Flow." Capturing these voters in one efficient swoop has made the BFI London Film Festival an indispensable stop on the awards season circuit.