The Shiny Awards Spring 2026 celebrates emerging directing talent
The evening at VCCP London, hosted by Girl&Bear brought together the commercial production community to celebrate emerging directing talent.
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The Shiny Awards returned to London last week, bringing together the commercial production community to celebrate outstanding new and diverse directing talent from around the world.
Hosted by Girl&Bear at VCCP London, the sold-out event showcased bold short-form work spanning commercials, music videos, documentary and narrative. As with all Shiny events, diversity remained central, with at least 70% of the screened work created by directors from under-represented backgrounds.
“The Shiny Awards at VCCP have been my favourite so far. As momentum builds, the energy grows each time. The work is consistently fresh and impressive, and the passion behind creating these films is evident.” said Danny Etherington, Co-Founder / Managing Director, Creative Outpost.
WINNERS
On the night, directors received awards and career-development opportunities from Shiny’s partners, supporting their next steps into the commercial industry.
“Talent is everywhere, but access to exposure isn’t. Shiny helped bridge that gap, creating opportunities, offering exposure, and supporting directors like me who might otherwise have gone unnoticed.” said Lorenzo Sorbini, Director.
Lorenzo Sorbini – Finisterre REC
- Mentoring session with Charlotte Borrell, Head of Studios, Girl&Bear
- Non-exclusive worldwide representation with Global Production Network
- Colour grade with Whitehouse Post
Vanessa Stachel – Spec Ad The Summoning
- Mentoring session with David Vass, Producer, Girl&Bear
- Colour grade with Girl&Bear Post
- Sound mix with Creative Outpost
- Mentoring session with Attila Horvath, Founder of Abroad Films
Alia Ghaffar – BFI x BMW Filmmaking Challenge Hen Do
- Mentoring session with Ed Rosie, Director/EP, Girl&Bear
- Mentoring lunch with Andy Daly and the team at The Berry
- Colour grade with Wild Island
Alongside the winners, a selection of short-form films were screened on the night, reflecting the range of work submitted.
Films screened included:
- Anna Brooks – Truman 'Buzzin'
- David Arthur – Songraes 'Wind'
- Tom Oliver – Robbed! Big Tech’s Little Victims ft. Natalie Cassidy
- Ben Harris – Common Saints 'Illusions'
- Keira Sultan – The Giants 'Holden'
- Joana Caiano – Wool Warehouse 'Own Your Hobby'
- Ashmy Johnson – Shot Film 'Nocturnal'
- Kate Hammer – BBC Short Stuff 'Bike Lane Austen'
- Monique Needham – Media Trust 'Homage'
- Iain Simpson – Tunnock’s – Tunnock's 'The Visitor'
JUDGING & INDUSTRY SUPPORT
This year’s winners were selected by a leading panel of creatives from across the global production industry, with over 70 companies represented.
The awards were led by Head Judges Charlotte Borrell (Head of Studios), David Vass (Producer) and Ed Rosie (Director/EP) at Girl&Bear.
They were supported by Shiny’s event partners, including Danny Etherington (Co-Founder & Managing Director, Creative Outpost), Julia Weichinger (Owner & CEO, Global Production Network), Attila Horvath (Founder, Abroad Films), Andy Daly (Executive Creative Producer, The Berry), Tommy Hill (Editor, Whitehouse Post) and Orlando Cubitt (Senior Video Editor, Wild Island Films).
“Shiny’s commitment to opening doors for underrepresented directors and celebrating new talent aligns closely with our values. By supporting Shiny, we’re investing in a more inclusive and dynamic future for storytelling.” said Attila Horvath, Founder, Abroad Films.
