Booker Prize Releases Six Short Films With Star Readers
Himesh Patel, Maxine Peake and four other actors read from this year's Booker Prize shortlisted books in films directed by Holly Blakey.
The Booker Prize Foundation has released six two-minute short films featuring actors reading from this year's Booker Prize shortlisted titles. The films were produced for the foundation by Park Pictures, according to Deadline.
Himesh Patel reads from Luke Kennard's 'Black Bag', and Kathryn Hunter reads from 'The End of Everything' by M. John Harrison. Paterson Joseph reads from 'The Disappearers' by Marlon James, while Savannah Steyn reads from 'May We Feed the King' by Rebecca Perry.
Maxine Peake reads from 'The Things We Never Say' by Elizabeth Strout, and Lewis Gribben reads from 'John of John' by Douglas Stuart.
Holly Blakey directed all six films, her second time directing the Booker shorts.
Patel's film is available on Deadline, and the other five can be watched on the Booker Prize's YouTube channel.
Annual series
Since 2022, the Booker Prize has recruited stars from film, TV and music to read excerpts from shortlisted books. The Booker Prize 2025 and International Booker Prize 2026 films have a combined 132M views on YouTube and social media, according to Deadline.
Quick answers
Who reads in the new Booker Prize short films?
Lewis Gribben, Kathryn Hunter, Paterson Joseph, Himesh Patel, Maxine Peake and Savannah Steyn read from this year's shortlisted titles.
Where can I watch the Booker Prize short films?
Himesh Patel's film is available on Deadline, and the other five are on the Booker Prize's YouTube channel.
Who directed the Booker Prize short films?
Holly Blakey directed the six films, her second time directing the Booker shorts.