Wale Davies & Akinola Davies Jr. Win First BAFTA Outstanding Debut for “My Father’s Shadow”
Akinola Davies Jr. has won the 2026 BAFTA for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for his masterpiece, 'My Father’s Shadow.' As the first Nigerian film ever selected for Cannes’ Official Selection, this semi-autobiographical drama set in 1993 Lagos is the year's most celebrated debut. The post Wale Davies & Akinola Davies Jr. Win First BAFTA Outstanding Debut for “My Father’s Shadow” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.
Photo Credit: Misan Harriman/Instagram
It is a monumental night for the culture! British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr. has just officially nabbed the BAFTA for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer at the 2026 ceremony in London for his debut film, “My Father’s Shadow.”
This victory is the cherry on top of a historic run for the film, which already broke the internet last year as the first-ever Nigerian film to land a spot in the Cannes Film Festival’s Official Selection (Un Certain Regard).
The “Naija takeover” didn’t stop there, though. Akinola joins fellow British-Nigerian star Wunmi Mosaku, who also had a massive night, winning Best Supporting Actress for her powerhouse performance as Annie in the supernatural thriller, “Sinners.” This marks a special milestone for Wunmi, as it is her second BAFTA win following her 2021 TV award for “Damilola, Our Loved Boy,” she also famously earned a Leading Actress nomination in 2021 for the horror-hit “His House.”
For those who haven’t caught the buzz yet, “My Father’s Shadow” is a beautifully raw story set during the 1993 Nigerian election crisis. It stars the incredible Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù as a father who takes his two young sons, played by real-life brothers Chibuike Marvellous Egbo and Godwin Egbo, on a life-changing day trip through the vibrant streets of Lagos.
My Father’s Shadow takes home the win for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer
#EEBAFTAs pic.twitter.com/WzmPHjYtrF
— BAFTA (@BAFTA) February 22, 2026
The post Wale Davies & Akinola Davies Jr. Win First BAFTA Outstanding Debut for “My Father’s Shadow” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.
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