EXCLUSIVE: The British Urban Film Festival (BUFF) will hand its honorary award for outstanding contribution to film and television to actor Jo Martin.
Previous BUFF outstanding contribution recipients, first awarded in 2015, include Amma Asante, Angela Griffin, Ashley Walters, and last year’s honouree, Femi Oyeniran.
“What an honour – I’m over the moon. Thank you, BUFF,” Martin said in a statement.
Born in East London, Martin first came to wide attention as Natalie Crouch in the BBC sitcom The Crouches, before landing credits such as Holby City, Back to Life, and Dreaming Whilst Black. Her film credits include Blue Story, Nine Nights, and Hard Truths.
Martin made television history with her debut as the Fugitive Doctor in Doctor Who, becoming the first Black actor to portray the Doctor. Her recent work includes appearances in The Marlow Murder Club, as well as official BUFF selections My Jerome and The Call.
In a statement, BUFF 2026 artistic director Kelechi Ehenulo said, “Jo’s career speaks for itself. Her indelible work has broken barriers, championed, inspired, and forged a trailblazing path for others to follow, and we’re delighted to be honouring her with this award.”
BUFF co-chair Clare Anyiam-Osigwe added: “The BUFF honorary award recognises not only Martin’s body of work, but also her influence in broadening representation and redefining what leading roles look like on British and international screens.”
The 2026 British Urban Film Festival Awards ceremony will be hosted by Linda E and takes place on 9 May, one day ahead of this year’s British Academy of Film and Television Arts TV Awards.
English (US) ·