The Smiley Charity Film Awards, often regarded as ‘the Oscars of the charity world’, has unveiled its finalists for the 8th annual event. The highly anticipated awards celebrate the power of film in highlighting charitable causes, with the 2025 edition marking a record-breaking 520 nominations. After an extensive public vote, 271 finalists have been selected, representing a diverse range of causes and organisations.
Celebrating the Power of Charity Films
This year’s finalists reflect the broad spectrum of charities using film to tell impactful stories. The nominations are categorised based on the turnover of each organisation, ensuring fair representation across the board. Among the standout finalists are The Bank of Dreams & Nightmares, the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, Dementia Forward, Child Bereavement UK, Friends of the Earth, Mind, the Soil Association, and Family Action.
Additionally, the awards feature a Corporate Causes category, with major brands such as John Lewis, Purina, and Malibu among the nominees. The prestigious Bicester Collection International Impact Award category also highlights global causes, with films from This Life Cambodia, Four Paws, and Greenpeace International making the final list.
Finalists from Across the UK and Beyond
The awards have drawn entries from all corners of the UK, with finalists hailing from cities and regions including Portsmouth, Teesside, Edinburgh, Liverpool, and London. The impact of these films extends beyond borders, bringing attention to key social and environmental causes.
The full list of finalists is available on the Smiley Charity Film Awards website.
Star-Studded Judging Panel and Awards Night
A distinguished panel of judges, featuring representatives from BFI National Archive, BBC, Meta, LinkedIn, HSBC, and Airbnb, will determine the winners across various categories. Films will be judged based on charity turnover, film length, and corporate cause, with the highly coveted People’s Choice Award going to the film that receives the most public votes.
The winners will be revealed at a glamorous awards ceremony at Indigo at The O2 in London on 20th March 2025.
Lisa Snowdon to Host the 2025 Ceremony
Adding a touch of glamour to the night, renowned television and radio presenter Lisa Snowdon has been announced as the event’s host. Best known for her work on ITV’s This Morning, Snowdon brings her signature charm, warmth, and deep connection to charitable causes. Her advocacy for breast cancer awareness and numerous other philanthropic efforts make her a fitting host for the evening.
Speaking about her involvement, Lisa Snowdon expressed her excitement: “I’m truly honoured to be part of the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2025. The films showcased at this brilliant event are always so powerful and moving, shedding light on important causes and the incredible work charities do. I’m excited to celebrate these inspiring stories and, of course, the people behind them.”
Shining a Light on Charitable Impact Through Film
Nicolas Loufrani, CEO of Smiley Movement, also shared his enthusiasm for this year’s awards: “Film has an unparalleled ability to touch hearts and inspire action. These incredible films showcase the powerful stories and impactful work of charities around the world. Congratulations to all the finalists – your films have resonated with the public and helped to amplify your causes. We’re thrilled that Smiley Movement’s commitment to the Charity Film Awards has already generated over 500,000 additional views, furthering the reach and impact of these important messages.”
Join the Celebration – Watch, Donate, and Support
The Smiley Charity Film Awards continue to champion the role of film in driving social change. By celebrating the creativity and impact of charity films, the awards provide a powerful platform for organisations to expand their reach and inspire action.
Supporters can view all finalist films and donate to the causes that inspire them. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed from Indigo at The O2, ensuring that audiences worldwide can be part of this spectacular evening.
