Ahead of the big evening, Samuel Bottomley sits down with Man About Town to talk pre-red carpet rituals, style icons and his latest role as Brian, in Ronan and Daniel Day-Lewis’ new feature film.

2026 is shaping up to be a big year for English actor Samuel Bottomley. Following his 2023 BIFA nomination for Best Supporting Performance in Molly Manning Walker’s critically lauded How to Have Sex, he’s now entering the industry’s big leagues with Anemone – Daniel Day-Lewis’ long-awaited return to the big screen, starring alongside his son Ronan Day-Lewis. Then there’s California Schemin’, a musical biopic from first-time director James McAvoy, which has already earned high praise following its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Right now, though, all eyes are on London, as the city watches the unfolding of the London Film Festival – and Bottomley touches down for the UK premiere of Anemone. Ahead of the big evening, he sits down with Man About Town to talk red carpets, personal style, and meeting your heroes. Read on…

Can you talk us through your outfit for the red carpet tonight? 

I am wearing a full look from Fendi with embossed leather boots which adds a bit of an edge. To accessorise, we’ve gone for a Cartier Juste un Clou ring and bracelet and a Ballon Bleu watch. The suit is a bit different for me – it doesn’t have lapels and the trousers have a wider leg than I’m used to, but I love it. It feels like it has a bit of Northern Soul about it which I’m really into.

How do you approach dressing for an event like the London Film Festival?

I work with a brilliant stylist called Holly White, who is the brains behind it all. She’s really great at pushing me to step out of my comfort zone whilst also making sure that I feel like myself. We’ll do a fitting before an event where we just try everything on and play around until we find the right look which makes it feel fun and collaborative.

What is your favourite part of the outfit?

I love the colour of the suit. It feels almost vintage as it’s not a plain black, but it still feels formal and elevated.

Do you have any pre-red carpet routines or rituals that you follow?

I always run through interview questions that might come up on the red carpet, so I feel well prepared. I usually end up saying something different in the moment though! 

 If you had to sum up your London Film Festival look in three words / a vibe, what would it be?

Sharp, interesting, minimalist.

How would you describe your personal style, and does it change at all when it comes to dressing for big time film premieres?

I would say my day-to-day style is more inspired by the Britpop / Madchester street style – sportswear, windbreakers, Harringtons and flannel shirts – which you obviously can’t wear on a red carpet! Instead I use red-carpets as a way to experiment, and if I can do a nod to my own style in there, it’s a bonus.

Who are your style icons, and why? 

When I was younger I would say The Gallaghers, Ian Brown and Alex Turner. I think I liked how defined their styles were, but also that they felt accessible – they were all focussed around a few key pieces that you could buy on your local high street without needing to take out a mortgage to do it.

London Film Festival is the UK premiere of ​​Anemone. Can you talk to me about what it was like working on this project, with Daniel Day Lewis?

I mean, it’s basically every actor’s dream, isn’t it? I had the best time and I’m so proud of the film. Being part of projects like this is exactly what I want to be doing in my career – so I’m very happy. It’s amazing to be able to present it at LFF alongside so many other outstanding independent films.

Your new project California Schemin’ is out next year. Are there any style tips you have taken from your character Billy Boyd?

The costumes for California Schemin’ were such a big part of helping me get into character as they were so different to the sort of clothes I wear day to day. It also felt so nostalgic of the 2000s – lots of grungy logo-mania and hair gel. I even adopted a bit of a baggier personal style after wearing the skater looks as Billy! I think people are really going to love how retro the film feels, so can’t wait for it to come out.

Full look by Fendi

Watch and jewelry by Cartier

Styled by Holly White @ The Wall Group

Assisted by Eoin Higgins

Grooming by Charlie Cullen