Netflix, Hollywood star of The Hobbit, Captain America joins Midlands Movie Awards jury

Richard Armitage, Hollywood star and lead in top Netflix dramas has joined Midlands Movie Awards judging panel.

The Leicestershire born actor with top film credits including Captain America and The Hobbit in his repertoire will be helping to shine a spotlight on local filmmakers.

He joins a jury panel of experienced film professionals who have the difficult task of choosing the nominations and winners.

The multi award-winning stage and screen actor joins Midlands Movies which has been platforming local independent filmmakers for the past nine years.

Best known for his role of Thorin Oakenshield in Peter Jackson’s trilogy of The Hobbit, Richard has also been involved in three global number one Netflix hit shows including Harlan Corben’s Stay Close and The Stranger, as well as starring as William Farrow in Obsession.

Hailing from Leicester, Richard’s formative acting career includes attendance at regional drama school in Coventry.

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He is tasked with deciding the winner of the Best Short Film category.

Joining Richard on the panel are key industry representatives Sophie Ivanova and Mellissa Donello (Birmingham Film & TV Market), Jake Harvey (Phoenix Cinema) and Nicola Prestage (BAFTA-nominated filmmaker).

The panel is rounded out with Jack Rafferty (BBC Leicester), Lateesha Johnson (BFI) and Mike Sales (Midlands Movies).

Previous jury panel members have included Parminder Nagra (DI Ray & Bend It Like Beckham), Shane Meadows ('This Is England'), Debbie Isitt (BAFTA winning director of 'Nativity!’), Steve Oram ('Sightseers' actor) and Richard Billingham (Turner prize nominee).

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MIdlands Movies is currently accepting film submissions for its annual film awards, which support the best filmmaking talent across the region.

The Awards aim to encourage independent filmmakers of all ages and backgrounds to submit creative film projects for viewing by industry experts.

A spokesperson for Midlands Movie Awards said: ‘No matter how big or small the production, filmmakers can enter their films across 16 categories including best short, best feature and best acting roles, with the winners announced at a lavish ceremony in June in Leicester.

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‘The submission window runs until February 2025 for creatives to put forward their films as well as allowing time to finish off projects still in production.’

Mike Sales, founder of Midlands Movies added: “I’m so excited to get going again for another year.

“We welcome filmmakers with all types of stories to tell to get involved, as well as films from different genres including animation and even documentaries.”

“Everyone submitting an entry should know they have an equal chance of winning, no matter their budget, size or experience.”

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“Over the years, zero budget films have successfully competed against films which have had a cinema release, with the jury seeking out the best of the best no matter people’s resources.

“If you have a film or two then we’d love to have you involved by heading over to our FilmFreeway page so our amazing jury can look at your project.

“Our goal is to wake the country up so it takes notice of the amazing creatives in our region.”

For more information about Midlands Movie Awards 2025 and details how to submit a film click here.