Jo Martin is set to receive an honorary award from the British Urban Film Festival (BUFF), recognising her outstanding contribution to film and television, Martin’s career that has spanned more than three decades and helped reshape representation on British screens.
Born in Newham, London, Martin has built a résumé defined by range, longevity and cultural impact. She first came to wide attention as Natalie Crouch in the BBC sitcom The Crouches, before going on to deliver acclaimed performances across drama and comedy in series including Holby City, Back to Life and Dreaming Whilst Black. Her film credits include Blue Story, Nine Nights and Hard Truths.
Martin made television history with her debut as the Fugitive Doctor in Doctor Who, becoming the first Black actor to portray the Doctor – a moment that became one of the franchise’s most talked-about in recent years and drew widespread praise from fans and critics alike. The role cemented her status as one of the most significant figures in contemporary British television.
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Her recent work includes appearances in The Marlow Murder Club, as well as official BUFF selections My Jerome and The Call, underscoring her continued relevance and demand across the industry.
In a statement, BUFF 2026 artistic director Kelechi Ehenulo said: “Jo’s career speaks for itself. Her indelible work has broken barriers, championed, inspired and forged a trailblazing path for others to follow, and we’re delighted to be honouring her with this award.”
BUFF co-chair Clare Anyiam-Osigwe added: “The BUFF honorary award recognises not only Martin’s body of work, but also her influence in broadening representation and redefining what leading roles look like on British and international screens.”
“What an honour – I’m over the moon. Thank you, BUFF,” Martin said.
Previous BUFF Outstanding Contribution recipients, first awarded in 2015, include Amma Asante, Angela Griffin, Ashley Walters and last year’s honouree Femi Oyeniran.
The 2026 British Urban Film Festival Awards ceremony will be hosted by Linda E and takes place on 9 May, one day ahead of this year’s British Academy of Film and Television Arts TV Awards.
