Akinola Davies jr and Wale Davies BAFTA 2026

This year’s 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) in London was a big one — especially for the Nigerian storytelling scene. The brothers Akinola Davies Jr. and Wale Davies scored a major win when their film My Father’s Shadow clinched the Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer award. The ceremony took place on 22 February 2026 at the Royal Festival Hall, with winners celebrated across global culture circles. 

On the night, Akinola and Wale took the stage as the Outstanding Debut winners — a category that honours exceptional first-time filmmakers. They accepted the award with heartfelt gratitude, dedicating it to their roots, collaborators, and the immigrant experiences that shaped their worldview. 

In his acceptance speech — which has since gone viral online — Akinola thanked his brother, family, and the many voices whose stories shaped the film. He also spoke passionately about themes of migration and storytelling that deserve attention everywhere. A portion of that speech, including a call for “free Palestine,” was later shortened in the British TV broadcast, sparking discussion about editing and political expression around award shows. 

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