Adam Deacon and Asif Kapadia recognised by film industry bosses

Two filmmakers from Hackney scooped the highest accolade in British cinema when they won a BAFTA award yesterday (February 12).

Actor and director Adam Deacon, star of the films Kidulthood, Adulthood and Anuvahood, rose to glory when he beat acclaimed rivals - including Old Etonians Tom Hiddleston and Eddie Redmayne - to take the Rising Star title.

The public voted him their favourite actor from a shortlist of five.

The former Stoke Newington School pupil, who grew up on the former Kings Crescent Estate and spent time living in a hostel as a teenager, collected the gong in front of Hollywood legends such as director Martin Scorsese at a glitzy ceremony at the Royal Opera House in central London.

“This is amazing. I can’t believe I’m in the same place as people like Brad Pitt – this is so surreal,” said the 28-year-old.

“Thank you to BAFTA for this because it means acceptance. It’s not just a win for me, it’s a win for the underdog and it’s a win for any young person out there who’s got a dream to better themselves.”

“I just hope all my people are watching in Hackney because I’m so proud.”

Also celebrating on the night was Stoke Newington-born director Asif Kapadia.

The 39-year, who grew up in Tyssen Road, collected the ‘best documentary’ award for his film Senna.

It follows the life of Brazilian Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna who won the F1 world championship three times before his death at age 34.

Asif, who was joined on stage by writer Manish Pandey and executive producer James Gay-Rees among others, said he hoped the film’s success would lead to way for other documentaries.