After playing composer Richard Rodgers in Blue Moon (MVFF48) and RAF meteorologist James Stagg in Pressure (2026), Andrew Scott hits the trifecta with his portrayal of Ian Charleson in this biopic focused on the actor’s last days. Despite starring in Best Picture Oscar®-winner Chariots of Fire (1981), the acclaimed performer struggles to break into film. Then a treasured opportunity to return to the stage arrives after a midperformance breakdown leads star Daniel Day-Lewis to leave the the National Theatre’s 1989 production of Hamlet. But is Charleson up to the challenging role? Recently diagnosed with AIDS, he struggles to combat the disease, maintain his privacy, and rehearse what is perhaps the most prestigious role in the English language. As Charleson experiences heartbreaking setbacks and second winds from unexpected avenues of support, Elsinore evolves into a triumphant drama of profound artistry and personal courage. Olivia Colman as the actor’s doctor and David Dawson as his close friend, filmmaker Derek Jarman, costar. —Sterling Hedgpeth

Andrew Scott will be presented with the MVFF Award for his performance in Elsinore, where he stars as actor Ian Charleson in his final, celebrated performance as Hamlet and also produces the film, his debut as a feature-film producer and a role that's one of his proudest credits. ANDREW SCOTT is an award-winning Irish actor known for the range and depth he brings to every project. He found his breakthrough role on television as Moriarty in Sherlock (2010-2017), and also found success in that medium on Fleabag (2019), Black Mirror (2019, Outstanding Guest Actor Emmy nomination), and Ripley (2024, Outstanding Lead Actor Emmy nomination), a series he also produced. Among his films are Pride (2014, British Independent Film Awards Best Supporting Actor winner), 1917 (2019), Catherine Called Birdy (2022, Irish Film and Television Awards Best Supporting Actor nominee), All of Us Strangers (2023, British Independent Film Awards Best Lead Actor nominee), Blue Moon (2025, Best Supporting Actor Silver Berlin Bear winner), Wake Up Dead Man (2025), and Pressure (2026). He has received four Laurence Olivier Award nominations for his theater work, winning in 2005 for A Girl in a Car with a Man and in 2020 for Present Laughter. For the depth of his work as an actor and his rising profile as a producer, the Festival honors Andrew Scott with a Spotlight and MVFF Award.