Lee Knight

Lee is an Oscar-nominated writer/director whose unique work blends sharp wit, emotional bite, and unmistakable authority behind the camera. His debut short film A Friend of Dorothy, was nominated for Best Live Action Short at the 98th Academy Awards (2026), marking a rare and explosive arrival for a first-time filmmaker.

Shot over four days in 2025, the film premiered at London’s Raindance Film Festival before going on to win twenty-two awards worldwide, including Best Directorial Debut at the Heartland International Film Festival, Best Director at Cannes Short Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival, and the UK Film Awards, as well as the Emerging Talent Grand Prize at the London Renaissance Film Festival. 

Lee made his directorial debut with A Friend of Dorothy, which he wrote, directed, and produced through his company Filthy Gorgeous Productions. He raised the majority of the funding independently, secured all locations, and wrote the film specifically for Miriam Margolyes, who stars alongside Stephen Fry. The film is supported by Age UK and championed by advocates including Ian McKellen and Jim Broadbent, with Stephen Daldry and Sonia Friedman OBE serving as executive producers.

The film’s cultural impact has extended beyond the screen. Lee has been honoured by Attitude Magazine as part of its annual 101 LGBTQ+ Trailblazers list, a distinction previously awarded to figures such as Cynthia Erivo and Colman Domingo, recognising his contribution to queer storytelling and representation. The film has also drawn the attention of the UK Parliament, which has invited Lee to present the work at a private parliamentary screening.

Lee is currently developing the feature-length adaptation of A Friend of Dorothy, continuing to expand the story’s emotional and cultural reach. He is also writing his own television series, HOMONIOUS, and is planning to adapt a Sunday Times bestselling book based on a true story into a feature film, which he will also direct.