London, UK [14th May 2026]- Bauer Media UK is celebrating a double win at the prestigious British Society of Magazine Editors (BSME) Talent Awards, with Empire recognised for both editorial and visual excellence.

The title secured two accolades on the night: Best Writer – Features for Alex Godfrey and Best Picture Team for Joanna Moran, competing against some of the most exciting emerging talent in British magazine and digital publishing.

Held at Quaglino’s in St James’s, London, the awards were hosted by broadcaster and author Kemi Rodgers alongside BSME Chair 2026 Dan Green. The ceremony celebrated the next generation of editorial talent across print and digital platforms.

The wins mark a proud moment for Bauer Media UK’s Publishing division, highlighting the continued strength of Empire’s storytelling and creative vision.

Nick de Semlyen, Editor of Empire said: “Team Empire is thrilled to celebrate Joanna and Alex’s richly deserved BSME wins last night! Whether it’s Joanna’s dynamic photoshoots with Hollywood legends, or Alex’s gripping features, championing British cinema and drawing revealing interviews from icons, their passion and creativity is limitless. Both of them are emblematic of Empire’s ongoing pursuit of excellence across both visuals and editorial, as the world’s biggest movie magazine.”

Award Winners:

Best Writer – Features: Alex Godfrey, Empire
The judges praised Alex as “exemplifying everything you would want from a features writer – great contacts, excellent research, originality of ideas and flair in his writing, all backed up with an obvious love for his subject matter.”

Best Picture Team: Joanna Moran, Empire
Joanna’s work was commended for its “originality and creativity,” with judges noting that “each shoot captures something essential about the celebrity in a way that feels bold, fresh and exciting.”

These accolades reinforce Empire’s position as a leader in entertainment journalism, continuing to set the standard for both compelling writing and innovative visual storytelling.

–ENDS–

For further press information, please contact:
Rebecca Harvey – Head of Communications, Bauer Media UK

Rebecca.Harvey@bauermedia.co.uk

About Empire

Empire is the most widely read movie magazine in the world, bringing readers unparalleled access to the biggest movies and stars. From unseen images to on-set access to photoshoots with A-list legends, it brings Hollywood to life like nowhere else – the destination publication for all fans of cinema.

About Bauer Media UK
Bauer Media UK reaches over 25 million UK consumers through a portfolio of world-class, multi-platform media and entertainment brands including heat, KISS, Grazia, Empire, Magic, Absolute Radio and the Hits Radio Brand Network. These brands offer commercial partners access to highly engaged audiences, with creative solutions underpinned by insight and instinct. Bauer Media UK is part of the Bauer Media Group, one of the world’s largest privately owned media businesses with media assets all over the globe.