Elliot Barnes-Worrell

Meet Elliot Barnes-Worrell

Elliot Barnes-Worrell is an accomplished actor, writer, and director, recognized for his contributions to both stage and screen. As an actor, he has worked with prominent platforms such as BBC, Channel 4, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Paramount +, and has had the privilege of collaborating with acclaimed director Steven Spielberg. Beyond his acting career, Elliot is a distinguished writer and director, with his films featured on BBC and Film4. His directorial work has included collaborations with esteemed actors like Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, and Amanda Redman.

In addition to his creative pursuits, Elliot is also actively involved in academia. He serves as a guest lecturer at prestigious universities, including Oxford, Browne, Howard, Cambridge, and Durham. His expertise extends to leading discussions on race and Shakespeare at the renowned Shakespeare’s Globe. With a multifaceted career that spans acting, writing, directing, and academic engagement, Elliot Barnes-Worrell stands as a versatile and accomplished figure in the world of entertainment and education.

Elliot Barnes-Worrell’s career began on the stage, showcasing his talents in theaters worldwide as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) tours. Notably, he graced the 1,800-seater Barbican theatre during these tours. His journey on London’s National Theatre’s Olivier stage, playing lead roles, further contributed to his recognition in the theatre world. It was during this extensive theatre career that Elliot garnered critical acclaim, winning prestigious awards such as the Alan Bates award, the Sir John Gielgud, and the Ian Charleson awards.

In 2016, Elliot expanded his creative pursuits into writing and directing with his debut film, “The Works,” featuring renowned actor Ralph Fiennes. The film premiered on BBC One and continued to run on BBC iPlayer, marking a successful entry into the world of filmmaking. Subsequently, Elliot wrote and directed several critically acclaimed films, including the recent “DIGGING” for Film4, which premiered at London’s Royal Festival Hall at the London Film Festival (LFF).

Elliot’s work in film not only established him as a respected filmmaker but also led to recognition as a public speaker and academic lecturer. His invitation as a guest speaker at Oxford in 2017 paved the way for lecturing engagements at universities both in his home country and the USA. During the lockdown period, Elliot participated in a panel discussion on “Race and Shakespeare” at Shakespeare’s Globe, resulting in academic publications and solidifying his reputation as a Shakespeare expert.

In addition to his creative and academic endeavours, Elliot serves as the host for the annual award ceremony “The Graddies.” This ceremony celebrates and recognizes young filmmakers creating their debut films post-university, in collaboration with Searchlight Productions and Vue Cinema. Elliot Barnes-Worrell’s career reflects a remarkable blend of talent across theatre, film, academia, and the promotion of emerging talents in the filmmaking industry.