Ali Hughes

Last updated
Ali Hughes
CitizenshipBritish
Education MetFilm School (MA in Screenwriting)
Occupations
  • Screenwriter
  • director
  • producer
  • editor
Known for Dreaming Whilst Black

Ali Hughes is a British screenwriter and director, best known as the co-writer of the BAFTA-nominated comedy series Dreaming Whilst Black, for which he was nominated for a BAFTA and International Emmy Award. [1]

Contents

Early life

Hughes studied screenwriting at the MetFilm School, where he completed a Master of Arts degree. [2] After his graduation in 2014, Ali spent some years working warehouse shifts, delivering wine and working at primary schools, before earning his first BBC commission for the Dreaming Whilst Black Pilot in 2019. [3]

Career

Hughes began his career writing for web series and short films. His feature script Mignonette was a finalist at the 2017 London Film Awards. His major television work is co-writing the comedy series Dreaming Whilst Black with Adjani Salmon. The project originated at MetFilm School and was first released as a web series in 2018. [3] It was later developed into a pilot for BBC Three in 2021 and a full television series in 2023, which was co-produced by A24 and Big Deal Films. Hughes served as a co-writer and executive producer on the series. The first series received a positive critical reception. A second series aired in 2024. [4] [5]

His earlier short film writing credits include The Job (2015) and A Fistful of Candy (2016). [3]

Filmography

Writer

YearTitleNotes
2015The JobShort film
2016A Fistful of CandyShort film
2018 Dreaming Whilst Black (TV mini-series)6 episodes, co-writer
2021 Dreaming Whilst Black (TV pilot)Co-writer
2023 Dreaming Whilst Black (Season 2)6 episodes, co-writer [6]
2024 Dreaming Whilst Black (Season 2)Writer (episodes 3 & 5)

Other credits

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryWorkResult
2017London Film AwardsFeature Scriptstyle="background: #FFE3E3; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2 notheme"|Finalist
2018Web Series AwardsVariousstyle="background: #9EFF9E; color: #000; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2 notheme"|Nominated for over 20 awards, won 6
2024 Broadcast Awards International Programme Dreaming Whilst Black | style="background: #9EFF9E; color: #000; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2 notheme"|Won
2024 BAFTA Television Awards Scripted Comedy Dreaming Whilst Black | style="background: #FFE3E3; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2 notheme"|Nominated
2024 Broadcasting Press Guild Awards Best Comedy Dreaming Whilst Black | style="background: #FFE3E3; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2 notheme"|Nominated

References

  1. ↑ "Ali Hughes TV Shows List | Rotten Tomatoes | Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  2. ↑ "Ali Hughes". MetFilm School. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  3. 1 2 3 "From Warehouse Shifts to BAFTA Nominee: The Journey of 'Dreaming Whilst Black' Co-Creator Ali Hughes". CareTaker News Now. 2025-12-12. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  4. ↑ "Exclusive: 'Dreaming Whilst Black' Star Adjani Salmon & Ali Hughes Talk Season 2". ..::That Grape Juice.net::.. - Thirsty?. 2025-10-01. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  5. ↑ Ritman, Alex (2025-08-26). "'Dreaming Whilst Black' Season 2 First Look: Brit Comedy to Return in 2025 and Take Satirical Swing at 'New Era' of Diversity in Entertainment Industry (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  6. ↑ "BBC Three - Dreaming Whilst Black, Series 1, The Reality". BBC. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
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