The British Arrows Reveals 2026 Award Winners

Final Cut's Rick Russell was honoured with the Fellowship Award, whilst Biscuit Filmworks director James Rouse was posthumously awarded The Chairman’s Award in recognition of his lasting impact on the industry.

The British Arrows took place at Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Thursday March 26th. The awards celebrated its very special 50th anniversary gala with a ceremony hosted by comedian Romesh Ranganathan who successfully entertained the audience of more than 1200 of the industry’s greatest talents from all disciplines.

The competition was as tough as ever this year and winning highlights include: Channel 4, Educating Yorkshire, School’s Back made for 4creative by Blink Productions, Final Cut, Untold Studios, Company 3, Factory Studios and LELAND, directed by Dougal Wilson picked up a staggering six Arrows including Commercial of the Year and a gold Arrow for Dougal Wilson for director – The Frank Budgen Award. 

Final Cut founder, Rick Russell took home the sought after Fellowship Award. The Board of Directors wanted to recognise his outstanding contribution to the craft of commercial filmmaking. Rick has helped shape some of the most memorable and emotionally powerful advertising ever made, championing the art of editing as one of the defining forces in storytelling. His commitment to collaboration, craft and creative excellence has left a lasting mark on the industry and influenced generations of editors and filmmakers.

Cadbury also enjoyed a standout evening, taking home the inaugural People’s Arrow, voted for by the public as their favourite commercial of the past 50 years, with the much- loved 'Gorilla'. The brand was further honoured with the Advertiser of Excellence award, recognising an extraordinary legacy of work that has consistently championed creativity and craft in British advertising. From joyful, culture-shaping moments to beautifully crafted storytelling, Cadbury’s advertising has produced some of the most iconic campaigns of the past half-century making it a fitting double celebration as the British Arrows marked its 50th anniversary.

Agency of the Year went to Uncommon Creative Studio; Production Company of the Year went to Biscuit Filmworks and finally, Untold Studios, Trim Editing and 750mph were awarded Craft Company of the Year conjunctively – this is the third time the Board of Directors have decided to continue to award three companies Craft Companies of the year, recognising the importance of VFX, Editing and Audio in the craft of commercial content creation.

LBB also talk to Simon Cooper, chair of the board of directors.

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