Barbara Broccoli has been appointed President of the National Film and Television School, becoming the first woman to hold the prestigious position in the institution’s history. Succeeding Oscar-winning producer Lord David Puttnam, who steps into the honorary role of President Emeritus, the acclaimed filmmaker begins a landmark new chapter for British screen education.
Widely celebrated for her stewardship of the James Bond franchise alongside her brother Michael G. Wilson, Broccoli brings decades of global industry leadership to the school. Only the second woman in Academy history to receive the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, she was also honoured with an Honorary Academy Award in 2024. Her appointment arrives just ahead of the January 2027 opening of The Cubby Broccoli Building at the Beaconsfield campus, a state-of-the-art teaching and accommodation hub named in tribute to her late father, legendary producer Albert R. ‘Cubby’ Broccoli.
Reflecting on her new role, Broccoli said it is a tremendous honour to follow in Lord Puttnam’s footsteps after years of championing the school’s emerging talent. She noted that the upcoming launch of The Cubby Broccoli Building makes the moment especially meaningful, echoing her father’s lifelong belief in giving gifted filmmakers the opportunity to succeed.
Lord Puttnam concludes a nine-year presidency and more than five decades of active involvement with the institution since 1974. The Chariots of Fire producer, who succeeded Lord Richard Attenborough, oversaw major campus expansions including The Channel 4 Rose Building and Sky Studios. Handing the reins to his close friend, Puttnam remarked that leaving the school in such capable hands repays the final debt owed to his predecessor.
NFTS Chair Sophie Turner Laing hailed the appointment as a historic milestone, praising Broccoli’s dedication to nurturing new creative voices while paying tribute to Puttnam’s five decades of wisdom and advocacy. With locations across the UK and alumni boasting 15 Oscars and over 165 BAFTAs, the school continues to shape future generations of film, television, and games talent, with further details available on the official website.
