Star-Studded Lineup for LFF Screen Talks

The BFI London Film Festival has announced the lineup for its Screen Talks programme, bringing together actors and filmmakers for in-depth conversations about their careers, creative processes, and influences. Among those set to take part are Andrew Scott, Cynthia Erivo, Jesse Eisenberg, Mahershala Ali, John Malkovich, and Sofia Coppola, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter and confirmed by festival announcements.

Andrew Scott, known for his roles in 'Sherlock', 'Fleabag', and 'Pressure', will discuss a career that includes a BAFTA-winning performance as the nemesis of Sherlock Holmes, his work in Hamlet, a reinvention of Uncle Vanya, and his portrayal of Ian Charleson in the festival's opening night film, 'Elsinore'. The film, which opens this year's festival, stars Scott alongside Olivia Colman, Johnny Flynn, Billie Piper, Luke Thompson, and Peter Mullan. Written by BAFTA winner Stephen Beresford, known for 'Pride', 'Elsinore' is based on the life of actor Ian Charleson and follows his final weeks as he played Hamlet at London's National Theatre after Daniel Day-Lewis abruptly withdrew from the production.

Cynthia Erivo, an Oscar-nominated actress who starred in 'Wicked', will talk about her work, including her Tony Award-winning performance in The Color Purple on Broadway and her roles in films such as 'Harriet', 'Bad Times at the El Royale', and 'Wicked: For Good'. Jesse Eisenberg, known for 'The Social Network' and his transition from acting to filmmaking, will discuss his career and unveil the festival's Gala Closing Night Film, 'The Debut'. The film follows a shy woman who is unexpectedly cast in a local production of an original musical and, under the influence of its strong-willed and mysterious director, becomes increasingly immersed in the role and the high-pressure world of community theatre.

Filmmakers and Actors Join the Discussions

Mahershala Ali, a two-time Academy Award winner recognised for his performances in 'Moonlight' and 'Green Book', will participate in the programme. John Malkovich, an Oscar-nominated actor known for 'Being John Malkovich' and 'Dangerous Liaisons', will discuss how he has spent his career forging indelible, singular characters and will be present at the festival.

Filmmakers Sofia Coppola, Ava DuVernay, Brad Bird, and James Gray are also set to join the Screen Talks. Coppola, whose feature debut was 'The Virgin Suicides' and whose sophomore feature 'Lost in Translation' won her an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, will discuss her career. DuVernay will talk about her work, including 'A Wrinkle in Time', 'Selma', 'Origin', and the Oscar-nominated documentary '13th'. Bird will explore his Oscar and BAFTA-winning career in animated features including 'The Iron Giant', 'The Incredibles', and 'Ratatouille', as well as live-action titles 'Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol' and 'Tomorrowland'. Gray will discuss his career from his feature debut 'Little Odessa' through films like 'The Yards', 'We Own the Night', and 'Armageddon Time'.

The lineup also includes British actress Naomi Ackie, known for 'Blink Twice' and 'Mickey 17', and director Danny Boyle, whose career includes 'Shallow Grave', 'Trainspotting', '28 Days Later', 'Slumdog Millionaire', and the 2012 London Olympics Opening Ceremony.

First Screen Talk Outside London

Danny Boyle's Screen Talk will take place at HOME Manchester, marking the first time the festival's Screen Talk programme will be held outside London. The talks will bring the creative figures before audiences at BFI Southbank in central London for wide-ranging discussions on their work, influences, and careers.

The 70th edition of the BFI London Film Festival is scheduled to take place from October 7 to 18, 2026.