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
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
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.
