Beast – a dark thriller set in Jersey – has received critical acclaim since its release.
And the film has now been shortlisted for the Academy’s Outstanding British Film and Outstanding Debut for a Writer, Director or Producer awards. Jessie Buckley, who stars as Moll in Beast, has also been nominated for the BAFTA rising star award.
Mr Pearce’s directorial debut is up against Hollywood blockbusters in the Outstanding British Film category including historical comedy-drama The Favourite and Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody.
Last month, Mr Pearce was included in the list of BAFTA members for 2019 alongside the likes of Hollywood stars Hugh Grant and Willem Dafoe and Doctor Who actress Jodie Whittaker.
