Clyde Best Film Wins Award, Earns Nomination
The documentary Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story has been named Audience Favorite at the 2026 Roxbury International Film Festival in New England and has also been nominated for Best International Film at the 2026 BronzeLens Awards in Atlanta.
Now in its 28th year, the Roxbury International Film Festival is the largest film festival in New England dedicated to celebrating films by, for, and about people of color from around the world. The 2026 festival presented more than 110 films, along with filmmaker Q&As, panels, workshops, script readings, and special events at venues throughout Boston.
A spokesperson said, “Against that backdrop, the Audience Favorite Award carries particular meaning for the filmmakers behind Transforming the Beautiful Game. Unlike an industry or jury award, it reflects the response of the people who experienced the film during the festival.
“The documentary was selected as ROXFILM’s Opening Night film, giving Clyde Best’s story a prominent position at the beginning of the festival. Festival organizers said the film set the stage for the rest of the festival and described opening night as a particularly special evening.”
“The audience has spoken,” the ROXFILM team wrote in announcing the award, noting that the story of Clyde Best and Ade Coker was one of hope and resilience that resonated strongly with festival audiences.
“This award means a great deal to us because it came directly from the audience,” said producer and director Dan Egan. “We have always believed Clyde’s story reaches far beyond football.
“It is about courage, excellence, resilience, and what one person can accomplish while confronting extraordinary barriers. To have that story recognized by the audience at a festival with ROXFILM’s history, mission, and reputation is incredibly meaningful.”
A spokesperson added, “The ROXFILM Audience Favorite honor comes as Transforming the Beautiful Game prepares for another major festival appearance. The documentary has been nominated for Best International Film at the 2026 BronzeLens Awards and will screen at the BronzeLens Film Festival in Atlanta on Thursday, August 27.
“Founded in Atlanta, BronzeLens has established itself as an important showcase for filmmakers of color and stories reflecting the breadth of the Black experience. The festival brings together filmmakers, actors, producers, industry leaders, and audiences while providing an influential platform for independent film and emerging voices.
“The Atlanta screening represents another significant stop for Transforming the Beautiful Game and its mission to restore Clyde Best’s story to its rightful place in international football and Black sporting history.
“To go from winning the Audience Favorite Award at ROXFILM to being nominated for Best International Film at BronzeLens is incredibly gratifying,” Egan said.
“These are festivals that champion important stories and create opportunities for voices and histories that have too often been overlooked. Clyde Best’s story belongs on that stage.”
Well done to the makers of Transforming the Beautiful Game.