Oscar-winning costume designer Sandy Powell OBE will be the guest of honour at this year’s Film London Jarman Award.

A three-time Oscar winner who has collaborated with the likes of Martin Scorsese, Neil Jordan, Todd Haynes and Yorgos Lanthimos, Sandy began her career in theatre. She was encouraged to move into music videos by Derek Jarman, and would go on to work with him on several landmark features. Her skill, innovation and flair for the subversive made her a perfect foil for the legendary British filmmaker, whether working on the lavish elegance of Carravagio or the boundary-pushing Edward II.

She received the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for Shakespeare in Love (1999), The Aviator (2005) and The Young Victoria (2010), as well as the BAFTA for Best Costume Design for her work on Velvet Goldmine (1999), The Young Victoria (2010) and The Favourite (2019). In 2023 her exceptional contributions to the art of costume design were recognised, when she received the BAFTA Fellowship.

Beyond her trailblazing career in film, Sandy was part of the successful fundraising campaign to save Jarman’s home, Prospect Cottage in Dungeness. Her ‘blank canvas’ calico suit was signed by celebrities at various awards ceremonies throughout 2020, raising awareness for the campaign as well as significant funds when the suit was auctioned.

Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of Film London, said: “Sandy’s remarkable career speaks to a truly remarkable talent. From her days collaborating with Derek Jarman on films like Carravagio and Edward II to the peerless design she has brought to a staggering array of modern classics, her work is bold, beautiful and boundlessly creative. She has long been vocal in her support of Derek’s cultural legacy, and, as such, I don’t think we could ask for a more fitting guest of honour for this year’s Film London Jarman Award.”

Sandy Powell OBE said: “Derek was a one-of-a-kind artist, filmmaker, activist and writer whose work had a profound impact on British culture. He was also my friend and mentor, and I couldn’t be happier to share in an event that seeks to not only preserve his memory but also carry his ideals forward. Dealing as they do in themes of memory, history and identity this year’s nominees certainly speak to the truths that Derek strove to tell as well as the unique and innovative ways in which he created and communicated his art.”

The artists nominated for the 2026 Film London Jarman Award are Sadia Pineda Hameed, Ilona Sagar, Rhea Storr and Alia Syed. The winner will be announced on 24 November 2026 in London.

Audiences nationwide can explore the work of the shortlisted artists through a nationwide touring programme presented in partnership with g39, Cardiff; BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead; Spike Island, Bristol; Nottingham Contemporary; Towner Eastbourne; LUX Scotland and Barbican, London. This programme will also include major exhibitions at London’s Whitechapel Gallery (17 November – 13 December) and a screening of the 2026 winner’s work at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) in Dublin from 7-21 January 2027.