The 14th British Film Designers Guild (BFDG) Production Design Awards illuminated London's Royal Lancaster Hotel on February 22, 2025, celebrating the visionary artists who craft the visual narratives of film and television. This annual event honors the unsung heroes behind the scenes, whose creativity shapes the worlds we escape into on screen.
In a night filled with anticipation and applause, “Wicked” and “Conclave” emerged as significant victors. “Wicked,” a reimagining of the beloved Broadway musical, secured the award for Best Production Design in a Major Motion Picture – Fantasy. The film's production designer, Nathan Crowley, alongside supervising art director Ben Collins and set decorator Lee Sandales, masterfully brought the magical land of Oz to life, blending vibrant aesthetics with intricate set pieces that captivated audiences and critics alike.
“Conclave,” a gripping drama delving into the secretive process of selecting a new pope, was honored with Best Production Design in a Feature Film – Contemporary & Fantasy. Production designer Suzie Davies, supervising art director Roberta Federico, and set decorator Cynthia Sleiter meticulously recreated the enigmatic atmosphere of the Vatican, offering viewers an immersive experience into its hallowed halls.
The ceremony also paid tribute to individual excellence. Danny Rogers received the Outstanding Contribution to the Art Department award, supported by Pinewood Studios, recognizing his extensive career and influence in the industry. Additionally, a dual Lifetime Achievement honor was bestowed upon production designer Gavin Bouquet and supervising art director Charmian Adams, celebrating their enduring legacies and remarkable contributions to cinematic artistry.
The BFDG Awards encompassed 15 categories, highlighting achievements across film, television, commercials, and music videos. Notable winners included “House of the Dragon S2” for Best Production Design in TV Band 3 & 4 Programmes, and Sabrina Carpenter's “Taste,” which clinched Best Production Design in a Music Video. These accolades underscore the diverse talent and creative prowess present within the British art department community.
Below is the complete list of winners:
- Peter Lamont Spotlighting New Talent (Supported by Crew HQ)
- Winner: Nivitha Muralikrishna – Art Department Assistant / Junior Draughtsperson
- Best Production Design – Commercial
- Winner: John Lewis – “The Window”
- Production Designer: Dan Betteridge
- Art Director: Viktor Andreev
- Stylist: Natalia Todorova
- Winner: John Lewis – “The Window”
- Best Production Design – Music Video
- Winner: Sabrina Carpenter: “Taste”
- Production Designer: Grant Armstrong
- Art Director: May Mitchell
- Set Decorator: Kelsey Fowler
- Winner: Sabrina Carpenter: “Taste”
- Best Production Design – Short Film
- Winner: “Embers”
- Production Designer: Ged Clarke
- Set Decorator: Menouer Samiri
- Winner: “Embers”
- Best Production Design – Planet Positive (Supported by Sky Studios Elstree)
- Winner: “My Lady Jane”
- Best Production Design – TV – Light Entertainment & Band 1 Programmes
- Winner: “Witches”
- Production Designer: May Davies
- Winner: “Witches”
- Best Production Design – TV – Band 2 Programmes (Supported by Dell Technologies)
- Winner: “The Gentlemen”
- Production Designer: Martyn John
- Supervising Art Director: Fiona Gavin
- Set Decorator: Linda Wilson
- Winner: “The Gentlemen”
- Best Production Design – TV Band 3 & 4 Programmes (Supported by Great Point Studios)
- Winner: “House of the Dragon” Season 2
- Production Designer: Jim Clay
- Supervising Art Director: Dominic Masters
- Set Decorator: Claire Richards
- Winner: “House of the Dragon” Season 2
- Best Production Design – Feature Film – Period (Supported by Palmbrokers)
- Winner: “Lee”
- Production Designer: Gemma Jackson
- Supervising Art Director: Adam Squires
- Set Decorator: Lotty Sanna
- Winner: “Lee”
- Best Production Design – Feature Film – Contemporary & Fantasy (Supported by CompuHire)
- Winner: “Conclave”
- Production Designer: Suzie Davies
- Supervising Art Director: Roberta Federico
- Set Decorator: Cynthia Sleiter
- Winner: “Conclave”
- Best Production Design – Major Motion Picture – Period (Supported by Revolver Motion)
- Winner: “Gladiator II”
- Production Designer: Arthur Max
- Supervising Art Directors: Tamara Marini (Malta) and David Ingram (Morocco)
- Set Decorators: Jille Azis (Malta) and Elli Griff (Morocco)
- Winner: “Gladiator II”
- Best Production Design – Major Motion Picture – Contemporary (Supported by TLO)
- Winner: “A Quiet Place: Day One”
- Production Designer: Simon Bowles
- Supervising Art Director: Nick Dent
- Set Decorator: Neil Floyd
- Winner: “A Quiet Place: Day One”
- Best Production Design – Major Motion Picture – Fantasy (Supported by Shinfield Studios)
- Winner: “Wicked”
- Production Designer: Nathan Crowley
- Supervising Art Director: Ben Collins
- Set Decorator: Lee Sandales
- Winner: “Wicked”
- Outstanding Contribution to the Art Department (Supported by Pinewood Studios)
- Recipient: Danny Rogers – Art Director
- Lifetime Achievement (Supported by Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden)
- Recipients: Gavin Bouquet – Production Designer; Charmian Adams – Supervising Art Director
Personal Impressions:
Attending the BFDG Awards was a profound reminder of the collaborative spirit that fuels the film industry. The meticulous attention to detail exhibited in productions like “Wicked” and “Conclave” highlights the indispensable role of production design in storytelling. These artists transform scripts into tangible worlds, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the narrative. The recognition of veterans like Danny Rogers, Gavin Bouquet, and Charmian Adams serves as an inspiration, emphasizing that dedication and passion are the cornerstones of a lasting career in cinema.
How do you think exceptional production design influences your connection to a film's story and characters?
