Darius Shu’s Molly Wins Iris Prize Best British Short Film Award 2026
The 2026 Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival has crowned Molly, directed by Darius Shu, as the winner of the prestigious Best British Short Film Award, sponsored by Film4 and Pinewood Studios. Announced during the festival's Best British Awards ceremony in Cardiff on Friday evening, the accolade recognises one of the standout achievements in British LGBTQ+ filmmaking this year.
For audiences familiar with Iris Prize, Shu is no stranger to success. As producer of Queer Parivaar, which won the same award in 2022, he has already left a significant mark on the festival. This latest recognition further cements his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinctive visual style and a talent for telling emotionally resonant stories.
A Delicate Exploration of Love and Desire
Molly centres on a chance encounter between Vinnie and Ryan in a launderette. What begins as a seemingly ordinary meeting develops into a powerful connection, with friendship, intimacy and desire becoming increasingly entwined. As their relationship deepens, both men are forced to confront difficult questions about love, commitment and the consequences of pursuing what they truly want.
The Best British Jury praised the film for its artistry and emotional depth, describing it as:
“A bold and original drama” with “striking visuals, sensitive performances and delicate handling of its original and less frequently examined subject matter.”
The award not only celebrates Shu's achievement but also secures his place on the 2027 Iris Prize Best British Jury, continuing the filmmaker's relationship with one of the UK's most influential LGBTQ+ film festivals.
A Win That Feels Personal
Iris Prize Festival Director Berwyn Rowlands spoke warmly about the result, reflecting on Shu's longstanding connection with the festival.
“I'm thrilled that Darius is our 2026 Best British winner. It doesn't happen often, but when you know the filmmaker well, it feels a little like celebrating a win for one of the family.”
Rowlands noted that he plays no role in the jury's decision-making process, making the announcement all the more rewarding.
“When the result was announced, I was genuinely delighted. I will leave the jury to explain their decision.”
Special Recognition for Outstanding British Shorts
Alongside the winner, the jury awarded special mentions to two films that impressed for very different reasons.
Life of Kai (Dir. Fox Fisher)
This moving documentary follows Kai Young over a decade as he navigates adolescence, identity and medical transition against the backdrop of changing attitudes toward trans rights in the UK. The jury recognised the commitment involved in documenting such a deeply personal story over many years.
Yellow Bucket (Dir. Simon Brooke)
Balancing humour and heart, Yellow Bucket explores family dynamics following a life-altering scientific discovery. The jury praised its joyful tone and its thoughtful examination of freedom, choice and parental love.
Celebrating Performances Across the Spectrum
The Best British Performance Awards were also presented during the ceremony, recognising exceptional acting talent featured in this year's shortlisted films.
Best Performance in a Female Role
Sarah Ridgeway as Jan in Yellow Bucket
Best Performance in a Male Role
Eben Figueiredo as Magid in Magid / Zafar
Best Performance in a Role Beyond the Binary
Lilit Lesser as Noah in Bluebird
The performance jury highlighted the exceptional quality of this year's nominees, noting that the winning performances stood out for their emotional honesty, depth and authenticity.
They praised Eben Figueiredo's ability to balance “hard-hitting energy and vulnerability”, described Sarah Ridgeway's work as “beautifully lived in and effortlessly natural”, and commended Lilit Lesser's performance as “wistful, soft and wonderfully wise beyond their years”.
Bringing British LGBTQ+ Stories to Wider Audiences
One of the most significant elements of the Best British programme is its reach beyond the festival itself. All 15 shortlisted films will be available to stream on Channel 4, ensuring audiences across the UK can discover this year's most exciting LGBTQ+ short films.
The films will debut as part of specially curated compilation programmes, with additional individual releases appearing on Channel 4's streaming platform following the initial launch.
The shortlisted filmmakers also receive a licence fee for the Channel 4 broadcast and streaming window, providing valuable support for independent creators while helping their work reach national audiences.
Celebrating 20 Years of Iris Prize
This year's festival carries particular significance as Iris Prize celebrates its 20th anniversary. What began as a three-day event attracting around 1,500 admissions has evolved into one of the world's leading LGBTQ+ film festivals, welcoming thousands of audience members annually while championing emerging filmmakers from across the globe.
The festival's continued commitment to showcasing bold, diverse and authentic storytelling remains at the heart of its success, and Molly now joins an impressive legacy of award-winning British shorts that have found their audience through Cardiff's internationally recognised LGBTQ+ film celebration.
For Darius Shu, the award represents another milestone in an already remarkable creative journey. For audiences, it offers a compelling reason to seek out Molly and discover why this intimate, beautifully crafted drama captured the hearts of the Iris Prize jury.
As Iris enters its third decade, the festival continues to prove that Cardiff remains one of the most important stages for LGBTQ+ storytelling anywhere in the world.
