Young Cleckheaton film star receives Yorkshire Young Achievers Award

Matilda Firth, 10, scooped the Youngster of the Year award at last week’s ceremony, just two weeks before the actress takes to the red carpet for the London premiere of her latest movie, the Sky Original Christmas film, Tinsel Town.

The much-anticipated Christmas extravaganza stars the Emmy Award-winning Kiefer Sutherland (Designated Survivor, 24) and actress, writer, and producer Rebel Wilson (Bridesmaids, Pitch Perfect, JoJo Rabbit) in the lead roles.

Matilda is in a star role as Kiefer’s daughter.

The film also stars Derek Jacobi, Meera Syal, Danny Dyer, and Katherine Ryan, alongside Teddy Williams – Robbie Williams’ daughter – who makes her feature debut.

The Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards celebrate outstanding young people who have made significant achievements across various sectors.

Despite her young age, Matilda is already something of a film and TV veteran. Articulate Agency, which is based in Shipley and has a reputation in supporting children and young acting talent, has represented Matilda since she was just three.

Articulate also runs a competitively priced drama school in locations across Yorkshire, helping to break down barriers into the acting industry, and the agency is sponsoring the Contribution to the Arts category at the Yorkshire Young Achiever Awards.

Matilda has filmed all over the world, including Spain, Bulgaria, Prague, and New Zealand. She played the role of Ginger in the 2025 American supernatural horror movie, Wolf Man, alongside the Golden Globe nominated actor Christopher Abbott and Emmy winner, Julia Garner.

She was Isla Peretti in the 2024 sci-fi feature film Subservience opposite Megan Fox, with past film roles also including 2022’s Disney film Disenchanted starring Patrick Dempsey.

Her TV roles include acting parts in Sky TV’s Christmas Carole, Channel 4’s Hullraisers, BBC’s Time, ITV’s Mr Bates Vs Post Office and Nicole Kidman’s Hulu series, Nine Perfect Strangers.

The chairman of the Yorkshire Young Achievers’ Awards, Peter McCormick OBE, said: “Congratulations to Matilda who has already achieved an enormous amount for one so young.

“We were delighted to learn about her achievements alongside those of our other winners.”

Founded in 2013, Articulate Agency works with the top UK and US casting directors, producers and show runners to secure high-profile, career-making roles, including major Hollywood opportunities.

Stacey Burrows, founder and director of Articulate Agency, said: “It’s a privilege to see Matilda receive this award. Her career to date has been just phenomenal, and this award reflects her remarkable skill and acting ability.

“She’s a brilliant role model for other young people aspiring to work in the arts. Matilda is calm, measured and has her feet on the ground, and I think her Yorkshire roots are to thank for that.”

Stacey founded the agency initially to help youngsters improve their speaking skills after overcoming her own fear of public speaking and going on to qualify as a barrister.

Last year, another child actor represented by Articulate – Rocco Haynes - received the Yorkshire Young Achievers Award for Achievement in the Arts, following in the footsteps of his brother Austin, also an actor. Both boys trained at Articulate Agency and have starred in multiple TV shows as well as major films.