The four bespoke covers feature Oscar-winning director Emerald Fennell, Malcolm X actor Kingsley Ben-Adir, BAFTA-nominated Bukky Bakray and Emmy-winning actor Riz Ahmed.

The four actors and directors were photographed in Los Angeles and London post awards-season by world-class photographers Rosaline Shahnavaz and Shayan Asgharnia.

The Bauer Media UK title’s special issue, on sale from June 10, also includes a series of interviews and photoshoots with 26 talented British actors and filmmakers, including Billie Piper, Gemma Chan and Olly Alexander.

EMPIRE Editor Terri White said: “This awards season paid homage to a crop of extraordinary British filmmaking and acting talent represented in both the nominees and the winners. We wanted to celebrate those people: the British New Wave.

"Twenty-six bold, brilliant men and women from both in front of and behind the camera, who are not only part of our future but defining our present. Whose ambition is only matched by their verve and vision.”

The issue’s exclusive subscriber cover is designed by Mike Cathro, capturing the spirit, energy, and vibrancy of the British New Wave in film.