The UK Location Manager Awards 2026 brought together leading figures from across the British film and high-end television industry in Manchester on Saturday 17 October, for an evening dedicated to celebrating the exceptional talent, creativity and dedication of the professionals who bring productions to life.
Held at the Concorde Conference Centre at Manchester Airport, an impressive location itself beneath the wings of the iconic Concorde G-BOAC, the black-tie ceremony recognised outstanding achievements across the location management industry, honouring individuals, teams and suppliers whose work plays a fundamental role in the success of film and television production.
Following the success of the inaugural awards in Liverpool in 2025, the second annual ceremony continued the mission of placing location professionals firmly in the spotlight, celebrating an often unsung but indispensable part of the UK’s world-leading screen industry.
Hosted by actor and entertainer Shaun Williamson, the evening brought together location managers, production professionals, industry suppliers, film offices and supporters from across the UK for a celebration of achievement, collaboration and industry excellence.
The 2026 awards recognised exceptional contributions across a range of categories, from emerging talent and location teams to experienced industry professionals whose careers have helped shape the landscape of British film and television.
Among the evening’s most significant honours was the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Matt Winter (Tenet, Kraven the Hunter), recognising his exceptional career and contribution to the location management profession. Peter French (Heart of Stone, The Roses) was also honoured with the Andre St John Lead Man Award, celebrating his outstanding service, professionalism and the respect he has earned from colleagues throughout the industry. The awards also recognised Clara Le (commercial director, The Location Guide) and Focus UK/The Location Guide for their contribution to supporting and connecting the international locations community
The UK Location Manager Awards 2026 in full went to:
- Neil Grigson Unit Manager Award: Drew Payne
- David Broder Location Supplier Award: Supply2Location
- Michael Harm Film Supervising Location Manager Award: Tom Woods
- Screen Manchester Location Team Award: Camilla Stephenson & The Project Hail Mary Team
- Andre St John Lead Man Award: Peter French
- Rising Star Award: Lizzy Hallam
- Outstanding Commission, Office or Agency Award: Focus & The Location Guide
- Andrew Bainbridge Lifetime Achievement Award: Matt Winter (known professionally as Matthew Winter)
.Georgette Turner, event chair of the UK Location Manager Awards, said: “Location professionals are at the very heart of film and television production, yet so much of their extraordinary work they do goes unrecognised.
“These awards were created to change that. We wanted to build something that truly belongs to our industry, an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication, resilience, creativity and sheer hard work of the people who make the seemingly impossible possible every single day.
“To see so many talented individuals, teams and businesses come together beneath Concorde in Manchester has been incredibly special. The calibre of this year’s nominees and winners is a testament to the extraordinary talent we have here in the UK.
“I’m immensely proud of what we have achieved, and enormously grateful to our committee, judges, sponsors and everyone who has supported us. Most importantly, congratulations to every winner and nominee. This is your moment, and it is thoroughly deserved.”
With the UK continuing to attract major international film and high-end television productions, the work of location professionals remains essential to the country’s success as a global production destination.
From identifying and securing extraordinary locations to managing complex logistics, working with communities and local authorities, and delivering ambitious creative visions, location teams are integral to every stage of production, and the UK Location Manager Awards aim to ensure that this expertise receives the recognition it deserves while inspiring the next generation of location professionals.
