Nigerian Cinema Makes History: My Father’s Shadow Triumphs at the 2026 BAFTAs

The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards will be remembered as the night Nigerian excellence took center stage. Amidst a sea of global blockbusters, the poignant and visually arresting film "My Father’s Shadow" clinched the prestigious award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer.

The win belongs to the visionary brother duo Akinola Davies Jr. (Director/Writer) and Wale Davies (Writer), who have successfully transitioned from acclaimed short films and music to create one of the most significant feature debuts in recent memory.

Set against the turbulent backdrop of Nigeria’s 1993 presidential election crisis, My Father’s Shadow is a semi-autobiographical masterpiece. It follows two young brothers, Aki and Remi, as they navigate a single, transformative day in Lagos with their estranged father, Folarin (played by the magnetic Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù).

The film is far more than a political drama; it is a "meditation on love, legacy, and the human cost of conviction." Shot on textured 16mm film, it captures the sensory overload of Lagos from the bustling marketplaces to the quiet, heavy moments of paternal reckoning.

"Shadows are proof of light," Wale Davies reflected during his acceptance speech, a nod to the film’s central metaphor and the memory of their late father.

The BAFTA win is the cherry on top of a historic run. Before arriving in London, My Father’s Shadow had already:

1. Become the first Nigerian film ever selected for the Cannes Film Festival’s Official Selection (Un Certain Regard).

2. Won the Caméra d’Or – Special Mention at Cannes.

3. Earned Akinola Davies Jr. the Best Director trophy at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA).

The evening was a double victory for the diaspora. Alongside the Davies brothers, British-Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku took home the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Sinners.

Accepting the award from Ethan Hawke, Akinola Davies Jr. dedicated the victory to immigrant parents who "sacrificed everything" to give their children a future. It was a powerful reminder that while the story is set in 1993 Lagos, its themes of displacement and identity resonate deeply with the global African community today.

This victory signals a shift in the global cinematic landscape. By blending authentic Nigerian storytelling with high-caliber technical execution, the Davies brothers haven't just won an award; they’ve opened a door. My Father’s Shadow proves that local stories told with "Naija energy" and unapologetic honesty are exactly what the world wants to see.