Nicole Ansari-Cox Honoured with “Woman of Global Impact Award” as Women and the World Film Festival Opens in London

The Women and the World International Film Festival opened its second edition in London last night with a sold-out Gala at the Prince Charles Cinema, drawing an audience that included members of the British Royal Family, international diplomats, and leading figures from the film and television industry.

The “Woman of Global Impact Award” was presented to actress and humanitarian Nicole Ansari-Cox, recognised for her advocacy for women affected by war and displacement. Alongside her husband, Succession star Brian Cox, she has supported humanitarian programmes for Ukrainian refugees and survivors of conflict.

The award was presented by Lady Sophie Windsor, Patron of the Festival, who opened the evening with a reflection on resilience, art, and empathy:

«This festival was created by women who have lost their homes, yet continue to build new ones around their hearts — through community, creativity, and compassion,” Windsor said. “Cinema, at its best, is an art of cultivating empathy — an education of the heart. Through the lens of film, we learn not only to see others, but to truly feel them. »

Ansari-Cox, accepting the award, spoke about the power of solidarity and storytelling:

“Women around the world are carrying unbearable burdens — of war, displacement, and loss — and yet they continue to rebuild, to nurture, and to tell their stories,” she said. “This festival reminds us that when women stand together, the world becomes a kinder place.” 

“Women around the world are carrying unbearable burdens — of war. The evening was attended by members of the Royal Family — including Lady Sophie Windsor and Lady Maddison May Kapetanov, a descendant of British Royalty and third cousins to Princes William and Harry Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Chief International Correspondent Ian Pannell— alongside leading actors, BAFTA members, Oscar-winning filmmakers, and international industry guest. 

Speaking briefly from the stage, Zaluzhnyi noted:

“It is a huge honour to be here — among cinephiles, people who value art and cinema, and women from different countries who speak many languages, yet share the same language of humanity.

The gala also featured the London premiere of Gar O’Rourke’s “Sanatorium”, Ireland’s official submission for the 2025 Academy Awards, followed by an interview with the director Gar O’Rourke conducted by Ukrainian journalist Olha Freimut.”

Festival co-founder Ksenia Bugrimova opened the ceremony with a personal reflection on displacement and perseverance:

“When the war began, everything collapsed overnight,” Bugrimova said. “I came to the UK with my child, completely broken — emotionally and professionally. But women filmmakers don’t stop. We adapt, we rebuild, and we tell our stories. This festival was born from that spirit — from the belief that cinema can carry truth across borders.”

Festival co-founder Mariia Vynogradova added in her opening remarks:

“Tonight, we officially open the second edition of our festival — a platform that celebrates women’s voices, creativity, and resilience through the language of cinema. This year, our theme is ‘Women as Agents of Security’ — because when women lead, societies heal, communities thrive, and peace becomes possible.”

The Women and the World International Film Festival runs through 12 November, with screenings and discussions across London, including at the Goethe-Institut and the Mayfair Hotel, spotlighting women’s voices in film, diplomacy, and cultural recovery.