Brief
Himesh Patel and Maxine Peake star in Booker Prize short films
The Booker Prize Foundation released a series of short films starring leading actors reading from shortlisted novels.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Booker Prize Foundation has released a set of short films in which actors read excerpts from the 2026 shortlist. Himesh Patel reads from Luke Kennard’s *Black Bag* and Maxine Peake reads Elizabeth Strout’s *The Things We Never Say*. Other performers include Lewis Gribben reading Douglas Stuart’s *John Of John*, Kathryn Hunter reading M John Harrison’s *The End Of Everything*, and Savannah Steyn reading Rebecca Perry’s *May We Feed The King*.
All films are directed by Holly Blakey, who said the aim was to explore the feelings the books evoke rather than simply narrate them. The videos are now available on the Booker Prize website and its social channels, with the winner to be announced on 9 November in London.
Key facts
- Himesh Patel reads from Luke Kennard’s *Black Bag* in a Booker Prize short film. (standard.co.uk)
- Maxine Peake reads Elizabeth Strout’s *The Things We Never Say* for the same series. (standard.co.uk)
- The films are directed by Holly Blakey, who emphasized a focus on emotional texture. (standard.co.uk)
- The short films are available on the Booker Prize website and social channels. (standard.co.uk)
- The 2026 Booker Prize winner will be announced on 9 November in London. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Himesh Patel and Maxine Peake lead actors appearing in Booker Prize short films”
