Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story has won Best International Film at the 2026 BronzeLens Film Festival in Atlanta, adding another major honor to the documentary chronicling the extraordinary life and legacy of Bermudian football legend Clyde Best, the first Black superstar in English football.
The award was presented Sunday evening, August 30, during the 17th Annual BronzeLens Awards at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College.
BronzeLens Founder and Executive Producer Kathleen Bertrand reflected on the enduring message of Best’s journey:
“Clyde’s journey inspires us all to overcome adversity through excellence,” said Bertrand.
Accepting the award onstage, director and producer Dan Egan reflected on the responsibility of bringing Best’s story to the screen.
“It’s been the honor of my life to be trusted to tell Clyde’s story,” said Egan.
The BronzeLens recognition adds to a growing list of honors for the documentary. Earlier this summer, the film received the Audience Favorite Award at the Roxbury International Film Festival.
A Return to Atlanta
The BronzeLens recognition also marks a return to Atlanta for Best and the documentary.
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Transforming the Beautiful Game was featured in a special two-night engagement at Atlanta’s Loudermilk Conference Center on July 13 and 14, presented in partnership with BronzeLens and Soccer in the Streets. Clyde Best appeared in person in connection with the screenings.
The visit generated significant Atlanta media attention. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution featured Best and his groundbreaking career, while Best also appeared on Atlanta television news discussing his journey, legacy and the documentary.
Just weeks after those screenings, the film returned to Atlanta as an official BronzeLens selection and was recognized as the festival’s Best International Film.
From Bermuda to English Football History
Transforming the Beautiful Game chronicles Best’s journey from Bermuda to England, where he arrived as a teenager and joined West Ham United, making his first-team debut at just 17.
Best persevered through extraordinary racism to become the first Black superstar in English football, helping change the landscape of the English game and opening doors for generations of Black players who followed.
His career later brought him to North America, where he continued playing professionally and became an important figure in the growth of soccer in the United States.
More than a sports documentary, the film explores race, courage, perseverance, excellence and social change, examining how a young man from Bermuda helped transform the beautiful game.
Fall Festivals, Bermuda Encore Tour and Education
The BronzeLens recognition comes as the documentary continues a robust fall film festival schedule across the United States, building on a 2026 journey that has taken the film from London and Bermuda to Tampa Bay, Boston, New York and Atlanta.
The film will return home to Bermuda this October for a special Encore Tour, giving audiences another opportunity to experience Best’s story on the big screen.
The film’s impact in Bermuda will also extend into education. In association with CURB, educational initiatives connected to the film will be rolled out in Bermuda schools, using Best’s journey to engage students in discussions about perseverance, racial equality, excellence and overcoming adversity.
Current festival dates, Bermuda Encore Tour screening times and tickets are available at ClydeBest.com
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