Christie

WOKINGHAM, United Kingdom – Christie® is pleased to announce this year’s National Film and Television School (NFTS) Most Promising Student Award, an award Christie has sponsored for 19 years. The winner of this year’s award is Creative Business MA student, Cody Updegrave, who was praised for his hard work, commitment, and leadership qualities. Previous award winners have gone on to make stellar introductions to their careers, gracing the global stage at international film festivals and winning further awards for their work.

“Cody has poured his heart and soul into the life of the school, leaving an indelible mark as student representative and through supporting the expansive spectrum of VFX productions across the NFTS,” comments Ian Haig, Head of the NFTS Creative Business MA. “Not only is Cody extraordinarily kind, he also effortlessly tackles any challenges that come his way. Cody is a great leader, and his smart, friendly, and enormously hardworking approach has been pivotal in reshaping the Creative Business MA’s role throughout the school. Cody embodies the spirit of collaboration, inspiring other students to engage more deeply in projects while taking the time to listen and advise others. Above all, Cody stands out as an exceptionally talented individual who is an outstanding ambassador for the NFTS, contributing immensely to its success.”

NFTS alumni have won 14 Oscars, 165 BAFTA awards and earned more student academy award nominations than any other film school. Previous NFTS Most Promising Student award winner of 2015, Joe Murtagh, went on to write, create, and executive produce prime-time BBC series, ‘The Woman in the Wall’ as well as earn a BAFTA nomination. He also co-wrote ‘The Kitchen’ – directed by Daniel Kaluuya and Kibwe Tavares – which was chosen as the closing gala at the 67th BFI London Film Festival. Meanwhile, last year’s NFTS Most Promising Student, Lisa Kenney, was the brainchild of ‘Mum’s Spaghetti’, which was crowned a winner in the best animation category of the Student Academy Awards.

“It’s a pleasure to continue our longstanding relationship with the NFTS, a leading institution with an impressive global reputation for developing talent,” says Adil Zerouali, senior director of sales, EMEA Cinema, at Christie. “We’re delighted to support this award, and, on behalf of Christie, we would like to extend our huge congratulations to Cody for this coveted achievement. We look forward to seeing his career develop.”