An acting graduate from the University of Central Lancashire is in good company after receiving a prestigious national award previously won by Bridgerton actor Bessie Carter.
Polly Graves has won the Screen Award at The Spotlight Prize 2025 after beating off competition from 20 finalists from across the country.
The Spotlight Awards for Stage and Screen are open to students from more than 70 drama schools and universities from around the UK, with each institution nominating one student. After making a shortlist of a final 20, Polly was named the winner of the Screen Award at the final held at King’s Palace, London.
She said: “At every stage of the competition I kept thinking, it won’t be me. When I was announced as the Screen Award winner my brain shut down and I was in utter shock. Even now it feels like a dream not a memory and I can’t quite put into words how I feel.”
When I was announced as the Screen Award winner my brain shut down and I was in utter shock. Even now it feels like a dream not a memory and I can’t quite put into words how I feel.– Acting graduate and Spotlight winner Polly Graves
The 22-year-old performed Island Town by Simon Longman for her submission and worked with renowned director Paulette Randall MBE, who directed the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony, on her monologue. Polly, and Stage Award winner Scot Greenan from Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, were each awarded £2000 and a year’s complimentary Spotlight membership.
Spotlight began in 1927 and ran its first drama showcase in the 1950s as the Rodney Millington Award, with Sir Albert Finney and Dame Judi Dench being two of its early winners. The Award suffered a 32 year hiatus and returned in 2002 as the Spotlight Prize to support and champion drama school graduates. It is now an annual event where agents and casting directors see finalists perform at a showcase to discover the next generation of acting talent.
Previous winners include Bessie Carter from Bridgerton, Rhiannon Clements from Hollyoaks and Kurt Egyiawan from House of the Dragon.
“It’s a prestigious award that brings exposure to key industry figures who sit in the audience for the final showcase,” Polly said. “Often, getting in the room with these people is the hardest part so even making the final of the Spotlight Awards can bring many opportunities.”
Often, getting in the room with these people is the hardest part so even making the final of the Spotlight Awards can bring many opportunities.– Acting graduate and Spotlight winner Polly Graves
Polly graduated from the University of Central Lancashire this week and is now looking for representation from an agent to kick-start her career.
She added: “I’ve loved every minute of the last three years and the experience I’ve gained has been invaluable. I am passionate about both stage and screen and although I am drawn to more serious roles, I enjoy challenging myself across different style and genres.”
Terence Chapman, Course Leader on the BA (Hons) Acting degree, commented: “Polly has worked consistently throughout the last three years, as part of a very talented year group. She has given some really memorable performances, both on stage and screen, and we are very proud of her. Let’s hope she goes on to achieve the success she deserves.”
