Naomi Ackie Stars in I Love Boosters at BFI London Film Festival

Naomi Ackie's versatility as an actress is on full display in her latest film, I Love Boosters, which premiered at the 70th BFI London Film Festival. The festival runs through October 18 and features a diverse lineup of films. Ackie stars alongside Keke Palmer, Demi Moore, Don Cheadle, and Taylour Paige in this anti-capitalist satire directed by Boots Riley.

Ackie recently participated in an LFF Screen Talk session, moderated by Grace Barber-Plentie, BFI London Film Festival programmer. During the discussion, Ackie fielded questions from the audience and shared insights into her career experiences. Her natural charisma and passion for acting left a lasting impression on those in attendance.

One of the recurring themes during the Q&A was Ackie's ability to seamlessly transition between smaller U.K. productions and Hollywood films, as well as between film and television projects. Ackie acknowledged that she enjoys the variety of opportunities available to her but also expressed a preference for working within the London film scene.

Ackie shared with the audience that she feels most at home in the U.K. capital's industry circles, where running into old friends and acquaintances is "so comfortable. In contrast, she described Hollywood as a machine that doesn't necessarily stimulate her creatively. Ackie's comments sparked a mix of laughter and applause from the adoring crowd.

Ackie's filmography showcases her range as an actress, with notable roles in films like I Wanna Dance With Somebody and Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker, as well as series such as Small Axe and Mickey 17. Her versatility has allowed her to navigate different formats and industries with ease.

The LFF Screen Talk session provided a unique opportunity for Ackie to engage with fans and industry professionals alike, offering a glimpse into her thoughts on the acting profession and her place within it. The discussion left attendees buzzing about Ackie's passion and natural charisma, solidifying her reputation as a talented and engaging performer.

Ackie pointed out that awards season in the U.S. and U.K. differ significantly. For Oscar contenders, actors often make numerous public appearances, creating a predictable process similar to a presidential campaign. In contrast, BAFTA nominations tend to be more surprising.

Barber-Plentie noted that many U.S. directors who have worked with Ackie started their careers in independent films. This could explain the influence of some of her recent favorite filmmakers.

Ackie expressed admiration for Curry Barker's work on Obsession, citing his background in creating YouTube shorts as an example of unconventional beginnings. She praised Barker's ability to transition from short-form content to feature-length films.

As Ackie prepared to promote her upcoming film Clayface in Los Angeles, she mentioned that she had just completed the sequel to It Follows. Her enthusiasm for horror movies is evident, and she views working on these projects as a fun experience.

As the horror genre continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Naomi Ackie attributes its enduring popularity to the anxiety felt by people in response to global events.

She points out that war and other horrors in the news contribute significantly to this trend, suggesting that people are drawn to these films as a way of processing their anxieties. Ackie's own concerns about current events were evident during her conversation, where she mentioned the recent tornado in Sydney as an example of the dangers faced by communities.

The actress also emphasized the importance of being prepared for emergencies, jokingly urging people to stock up on supplies such as food and water. In a humorous aside, she revealed that she has even purchased a crank radio and candles to help her stay informed and safe in case of an emergency.

Ackie's discussion of horror films was not the only aspect of her conversation that highlighted her enthusiasm for storytelling. She also spoke about her experience working on comedic projects, including I Love Boosters , where she expressed joy at being part of a female-led friendship on screen.

Her time on Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker marked another significant moment in Ackie's career, one that was particularly notable given the high-profile nature of the project. Despite the challenges and opportunities presented by such roles, Ackie emphasized that her personal life remained unchanged, a realization she found eye-opening.

Playing Whitney Houston in I Wanna Dance With Somebody was one of the most challenging roles Ackie has ever taken on. She described the experience as crazy due to the pressure of living up to the iconic singer's legacy and pleasing fans who knew and loved her. As a perfectionist, Ackie felt overwhelmed by the task of capturing Whitney's essence.

The pressure was compounded by the fact that she was playing a person whose life and career were so deeply ingrained in popular culture. Ackie recalled feeling like a baby looking at the top of a mountain" when faced with the daunting task of bringing Whitney to life on screen. Despite the difficulties, she has come to appreciate the experience.

In retrospect, Ackie is proud of what she accomplished with I Wanna Dance With Somebody. While the film's box office performance and critical reception were not outstanding, Ackie found that taking on this challenging role changed her approach to her craft. She felt a newfound sense of confidence and a willingness to take on even more demanding projects.

At 35, Ackie has already had an impressive career in film, but she is eager to explore other creative outlets. Growing up, she was a fan of classic musicals like West Side Story and Grease, and she would love the opportunity to star in a musical herself. Ackie's enthusiasm for this genre stems from its ability to bring joy and energy to audiences.

Ackie's desire to be in a musical highlights her versatility as an actress and her willingness to take on new challenges. With her extensive experience in film, it will be interesting to see how she adapts to the demands of a live stage production or a musical performance.

Naomi Ackie's experience in Lady Macbeth has had a lasting impact on her acting approach. Her character becomes mute halfway through the film, and this challenge taught her the importance of non-verbal communication. Ackie revealed that she still uses this skill to this day, conveying emotions and intentions without words.

Ackie shared her dream with fellow actress Lashana Lynch, who surprisingly expressed a similar desire to work on a project where they don't have to speak. This conversation highlights the versatility and creativity of actors like Ackie, who are always looking for new ways to express themselves through their craft.