Daily Mail National Film Awards


The National Film Awards were the first ever national film awards held in Britain. They were sponsored by the Daily Mail newspaper with readers voting at cinemas across the country, for Best Actor, Actress, and Film. The inaugural event was held at the Dorchester Hotel, London in 1946.
The first awards were awarded to James Mason and Margaret Lockwood for most outstanding British actor and actress during the war years.
The award is seen as the predecessor to the British Academy Film Awards which, although it began in 1947, did not give Best Actor/Actress awards until 1952 and the inspiration behind the National Film Awards UK which is voted on by movie fans and commenced its award ceremonies since 2015.

Awards categories (as voted by the public)

The awards ran from 1946 to 1951. It was always held at the Dorchester Hotel in London and was hosted by Lord and Lady Rothermere. It was held in conjunction with the Daily Mail National Film Festival held in Leicester Square, London.

The Trophy / Award

The trophy was a silver nymph holding aloft a silver star in its right hand. The circular base was inscribed with the winners details. The trophy stands approximately 60 cm high.

1946

Most popular and outstanding British actor during the war years - James Mason.
Most Outstanding British actress during the war years - Margaret Lockwood.
Best Film - Way to the Stars. Collected by Anatole de Grunwald and Anthony Asquith
This inaugural event was the first national film award held in the UK.

1947

Best Film Actor of the year - James Mason.
Best Film Actress of the year - Margaret Lockwood.
Best Film - Piccadilly Incident. Collected by Herbert Wilcox
Over 2.2 million members of the public voted during the contest.

1948

Best Film Actor of the year - John Mills for his role in Great Expectations
Best Film Actress of the year - Margaret Lockwood for her role in Jassy.
Best Film - The Courtneys of Curzon Street. Collected by Herbert Wilcox

1949

Best Film Actor of the year - Michael Wilding.
Best Film Actress of the year - Anna Neagle.
Best Film - Spring in Park Lane. Collected by Herbert Wilcox

1950

Most popular and outstanding British actor of the year - Richard Todd.
Most Outstanding British actress of the year - Jean Simmons.
Best Film - The Hasty Heart.

1951

Most popular and outstanding British actor of the year - John Mills.
Most Outstanding British actress of the year - Anna Neagle.
Best Film - Odette. Collected by Herbert Wilcox