Konnie Huq Announced as Host of the Into Film Awards 2026

We're delighted to announce that broadcaster, best-selling children's author, and former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq will host the Into Film Awards 2026 on Tuesday 16 June at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square in London.

The Into Film Awards, our flagship celebration of young filmmaking talent from across the UK, is set to be another star-studded event this year, with guest presenters including actors Jason Isaacs, Bella Ramsey, Hayley Atwell, Nick Frost, David Jonsson, Peter Capaldi and Blake Harrison attending to present awards to the winners.

Award-winning broadcaster and children's author Konnie Huq is one of Britain's most loved presenters. She was Blue Peter's longest-serving female presenter from 1997-2008 and has since hosted shows including The Xtra Factor, Top of the Pops, King of the Nerds, and Guinness World Records Smashed. A skilled interviewer, she gave J.K. Rowling her first interview, and has spoken to figures ranging from Tony Blair to Malala. Huq has presented award-winning radio documentaries and podcasts, written children's books, and co-written on critically acclaimed TV series Black Mirror.

Huq will oversee this year's Into Film Awards ceremony, which will see awards handed out in 13 categories, including Best Animation, Best Documentary, Best Film, Innovation in Filmmaking, Best Story, and Ones to Watch.

Konnie Huq said: "The Into Film Awards are an incredible celebration of young filmmaking talent from across the UK, and it's a real honour to be presenting them. What I love about these awards is that they give young people a voice. Through filmmaking, they can share their experiences, express their ideas and tell stories that matter to them, helping audiences see the world from their perspective. The shortlisted films are a brilliant reminder of the creativity, imagination and teamwork that young people bring to everything they do. These awards recognise not only filmmaking talent, but also the dedication, passion and perseverance that go into bringing creative ideas to life. Film is such a powerful medium for inspiring, educating and connecting people, and I'm looking forward to celebrating these remarkable young storytellers, whose work is already making an impact."

A familiar face to audiences across the UK, Huq has inspired a generation of young viewers over a ten-year tenure presenting BBC's Blue Peter. Alongside her broadcasting career, Huq is an author and screenwriter who has co-written on Black Mirror, the groundbreaking and critically acclaimed anthology television series, and has written several bestselling children's books, including Cookie and the Most Mysterious Mystery in the World. A passionate advocate for creativity, storytelling and education, she regularly works across television, film and publishing, championing opportunities for young people to develop their voices and talents.

Fiona Evans, Into Film CEO, said: "Konnie Huq has been inspiring young people through storytelling for decades, so there couldn't be a more fitting host for this year's Into Film Awards. From her years on Blue Peter to her work as an author and screenwriter, she has shown generations of young people the value of creativity, curiosity and imagination. Every year, the Into Film Awards showcase extraordinary talent from right across the UK, and having Konnie at the helm will make this year's celebration even more special. Her warmth, energy and passion for storytelling make her the perfect person to help recognise the achievements of these remarkable young filmmakers."

The Into Film Awards, sponsored by the UK film industry, showcases and highlights the wealth of tomorrow's creative talent. Young people from across the UK whose short films have been nominated across numerous categories will be recognised at a glitzy afternoon ceremony, which has previously been attended by some of the biggest stars in the industry, including Daniel Craig, Lashana Lynch, Eddie Redmayne, Lily James, Luke Evans, Gemma Arterton, Charles Dance, Ruth Wilson, Bill Nighy, Simon Pegg, Martin Freeman, and Naomie Harris.

We believe that every child should be given the chance to learn hands-on filmmaking skills and be able to tell their own stories through film, which is the central aim of our Young Creatives programme, supported by the BFI awarding National Lottery Good Cause funding. The Into Film Awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday 16 June 2026, at central London's famous ODEON Luxe Leicester Square.

Check out some highlights from last year's Into Film Awards below to get a sense of what it's all about.