LONDON — The British Film Editors have announced the nominees for their Outstanding Assistant Editor and Breakthrough Editor Awards, which were created by the BFE to draw attention to young editing talent. These honors are dedicated to the memories of two members who passed away in 2020. The winners will be announced at the BFE Cut Above Awards ceremony, which will be live streamed March 5th.
The five finalists in each category were selected by a sub-committee of BFE governors from a long-list of nominees. The winners of the awards will be chosen by separate juries, each chaired by a renowned editor. The juries will partly base their decision on interviews with the finalists and the BFE members who nominated them.
The Michael Johns Cut Above Award for Outstanding Assistant Editor nominees are Ruth Antoine, Tom Coope, Simon Davis, Christopher Frith and Jay Kishan Patel. Michael Johns had been a governor of GBFTE (the fore-runner of BFE) for many years, and one of his outstanding merits was in the championing of junior members of the cutting room, constantly offering help and advice.
“These finalists have demonstrated that they are exceptional assistant editors,” says Renée Edwards, BFE chair. “They are soaring in this role. If they choose to become editors, they will be building on a very firm foundation. Behind their pathways to success are stories of endeavour, flair, cooperation and determination.”
The Chris Crookall Cut Above Award for Breakthrough Editor nominees are Lindsey Woodward (I May Destroy You, The Last Bus); Tatjana Rhodes (Tummy Ache, Dorcha); Dan Gage (Home, Staged); Liyana Mansor (The Alienist) and Izzy Curry (Goldfish, I Hate Suzie). The BFE selection sub-committee also wanted to highlight two nominees as ‘highly commended’: Gaz Evans (Porno Uncle Jim) and Simon Whitcombe (The Heist ). Chris Crookall was a younger BFE member who was enjoying an exceptional career. This Award for Breakthrough Editor celebrates the outstanding achievements of emerging editing talent in 2020. All of these finalists have demonstrated exemplary qualities be that in documentary or in drama.