Angela Sant’Albano has received the Best Lead Performer award at the 44th Golden Joystick Awards 2026 for her portrayal of Grace Ashcroft in Resident Evil Requiem. The recognition adds another major achievement to Capcom’s survival horror title, which emerged as one of the ceremony’s biggest winners.
The awards ceremony took place in London on November 11, 2026, with winners announced across 25 categories. Sant’Albano won through a public vote, competing against five other performers from major upcoming and released games.
Her fellow nominees included Aaron Paul for Robert Robertson III in Dispatch, Anna Demetriou for Sophia in Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, Liam McIntyre for Wolverine in Marvel’s Wolverine, Patrick Gibson for James Bond in 007 First Light, and Will de Renzy-Martin for Coen in The Blood of Dawnwalker. Sant’Albano ultimately secured the award for bringing Grace Ashcroft to life.
Angela Sant’Albano’s Performance as Grace Ashcroft Earns Recognition
Sant’Albano’s portrayal of Grace Ashcroft has been an important part of Resident Evil Requiem’s character-driven storytelling. Unlike some of the franchise’s more experienced protagonists, Grace begins her journey as an anxious FBI analyst who struggles with fear and dangerous situations.
Her performance relies heavily on subtle emotional details, including nervous breathing, hesitant movements, and physical reactions to terrifying encounters. These elements help establish Grace as a vulnerable protagonist who gradually develops greater confidence throughout the story.
In an interview with VICE, Sant’Albano discussed how she approached the character’s emotional development and the importance of portraying her experiences authentically.
The actress explained that Grace’s relationship with Emily plays a significant role in her character arc. She described the connection as the heart of Grace’s story, highlighting how caring for another person changes the protagonist’s outlook.
Sant’Albano also discussed the importance of motion capture in delivering a convincing performance. She explained how small physical details, such as Grace’s shaky breathing and trembling hands while holding a gun, communicate fear to players.
These details help distinguish Grace from the franchise’s more combat-experienced characters and make her journey through the horrors of Resident Evil Requiem particularly personal.
Resident Evil Requiem Wins Four Golden Joystick Awards
Sant’Albano’s individual recognition was part of a successful evening for Resident Evil Requiem. The game secured four awards, including the ceremony’s biggest honour, Ultimate Game of the Year.
Here are the four categories won by Capcom’s survival horror release:
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Ultimate Game of the Year: Resident Evil Requiem
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Console Game of the Year: Resident Evil Requiem
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Best Game Trailer: Resident Evil Requiem, “Evil Has Always Had a Name”
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Best Lead Performer: Angela Sant’Albano, Grace Ashcroft
Capcom also received the Studio of the Year award, further strengthening its presence at the ceremony. The publisher’s other recognised titles included Onimusha: Way of the Sword, which won Best Audio Design, and PRAGMATA, with Grace Saif receiving Best Supporting Performer for playing Diana.
Interestingly, MECCHA CHAMELEON also secured four awards, matching Resident Evil Requiem in the total number of wins.
The 44th Golden Joystick Awards once again highlighted the contributions of developers and performers across the gaming industry, with Sant’Albano’s recognition marking an important milestone for Resident Evil Requiem.
| Release Date | September 18, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Studio | Columbia Pictures, Constantin Film, TriStar Pictures |
| Director | Zach Cregger |
| Writer(s) | Zach Cregger, Shay Hatten |
