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The 2025 Headline Awards Winners

Video Awards

Character Vid

Rupert Giles | BTVS | New World by Jessica Wilson
"This video shows so many aspects of Giles’ personality, relationships, and pain within such a short time. Seven seasons of love, loss, holding people up and letting them down, all edited brilliantly side by side. I felt his anguish and others’ love for him through this. Such a fantastic tribute to the character."

Story Vid

I was twenty-one, studying history at Oxford by fluentinhistory

"Ethan’s narration overlaying footage of the Giles we knew up to this point, then him coming unraveled as his past comes back to bite him, is expertly done. The footage from early Anthony Head projects is cleverly inserted to tell the story of his youthful downfall. Loved this!"

Tony Tribute Vid

No Entries

Art Awards

Artwork (Paintings and Sketches)

Giles & Joyce by canciqer (Character Spotlight)

"I love this recreation of one of my favorite scenes from Buffy. The artist has done wonderfully to depict the characters and their fleeting relationship through their expressions: Ripper is blissed out and careless, Joyce is curious, flirtatious, but sheepishly watching him. The details in this work from the album covers to the items on Giles’ shelves to the smoke drifting lazily around them really puts you in the moment."

Repo Man by knockoutart23 (Technical Prowess)

"The artist's skill in this portrait is remarkable, showcasing a very intimidating character masterfully. The use of light to highlight every crease in the Repo Man’s uniform and the use of shadow to surround him make for a very striking silhouette. The glowing blue light of his headpiece allow us a tiny glimpse at his eyes, a sign of life and depth of character in what is otherwise a cold, corporate-sponsored murderer."

Graphics

Anthony Head in Ted Lasso S3.E10 by 51kas81 (Character Spotlight)

"Rupert Mannion, a man all Ted Lasso fans love to hate, got his singular nod toward redemption in this scene. This gifset by 51kas81 captures Anthony Head’s stellar performance so wonderfully. The crisp images of this lingering shot show every microexpression, every emotion expressed by Rupert toward Rebecca, loaded with their shared history and proving he is not only the mustache-twirling villain, but someone who once was- and maybe even still is- capable of love and kindness."

Manip

No Entries

Fanfiction Awards

Giles (One-Shot)

How You Were Inverted by callmevampy (Romance/Drama/Characterization)

"I really loved this push-pull of both of these characters being so guarded but still falling into each other, despite everything they’ve been through. So many lines in this that are so deliciously Rupert and Ethan; the character writing is on point. It’s an honest romance that isn’t too sickly sweet or happily ever after– we know some people will never really change."

"Callmevampy has managed to provoke a deep appreciation for Gethan stories. I liked that this was told exclusively through Ethan's POV, allowing us to see Giles through the eyes of someone other than a Scoobie. There is something deeply profound about Giles seeking comfort (perhaps not intentionally) in Ethan during a chance encounter. It's bittersweet when you question what could have been had these two not endured such a traumatic past together. Few stories actually take the time to explore Giles' grief and despair after leaving Sunnydale; and I love that this is done through Ethan, allowing us a raw and unfiltered look at Giles."

A Tale of Two Doms (Chapter 1) by Cosmic_Cowgirl (Erotica/Romance)

"BDSM is a tricky topic to write, especially when it comes to keeping the facts of such relationships in line with reality. Although I am not a fan of such topics, this was a very good take on how such relationships work. Giles' portrayal as a gentler Dom falls in line with the show's overall portrayal of him. He has the ability to be aggressive and assertive when needed, but it's bellied by the gentler nature he often reserves for those close to him. Cosmic_Cowgirl managed to nail this aspect of Giles' character perfectly. And despite my aversion to the topic of the narrative, this was superb."

Giles (Long-fic or Series)

Further From Home by zombiesam (Dark Romance/Thriller)

"It was a raw take on season 6 and the dark topic woven throughout. But Zombiesam did an excellent job of harnessing the dark topics of the season and weaving it throughout this story. Giles' pain was tangible at various points throughout. I think Zombiesam managed to capture the emotional complexities of what Giles was going through quite well. The underlying love he had for Buffy was obvious, but one could understand why he was reluctant to tell her. Several scenes made me emotional. The pain he was feeling, consumed with the vengeance of a spirit whose sole desire was to protect the one they love. I loved the parable of Giles' devotion and love for Buffy, and how it fed off of their mutual struggle to deal with the emotional ramifications of Buffy's resurrection and their growing feelings."

the face of someone (i don't know) by guin_ramble and zombiesam (Erotic/Psychological)

"This is a rather interesting take on the events of Buffy's depression, especially given its reinvention of canon events. Giles providing Buffy with a stable and safe outlet to her inner turmoil is raw and often arousing. The mounting tension of their feelings for one another keeps you invested when you analyse their interactions during these intimate encounters with one another. It places Giles in an interesting light and makes you think about what could have been had Buffy turned to him for the darker impulses she experienced during season 6. Guin_Ramble and Zombiesam created a thought-provoking narrative place Buffy in a situation with Giles where she needed to trust him implicitly."

The Giles Family Tree by Cosmic_Cowgirl (Fantasy/Adventure/Romance)

"This was a fun take on Giles' everlasting good looks. I enjoyed the effort that went into creating an elaborate story for Giles' often elusive past. It was entertaining to see the events unfold and Giles' reaction to Buffy undertaking a dangerous quest to spend the rest of her life with him. Cosmic_Cowgirl created a fun story that isn't too reliant on canon events to make it work."

Other Characters (One-Shot)

The Devil You Know by Skyson (Drama) [Rupert Mannion from Ted Lasso]

"This is the first Ted Lasso fic I’ve read, and it’s for a pairing that you’d find very difficult to root for in the show, but this author has managed to toe the line of it being a fraught relationship, probably a mistake, but still very compelling and sexy. The interludes with other characters showcase their love for Rebecca, and the author captures the show’s banter well. The reasoning behind Rebecca’s actions are a fun reveal and ultimately depict her as the layered, complex, and intelligent force that she is."

"Skyson manages to weave a narrative so well written it's hard to remember why you shouldn't feel any kind of sympathy for Rupert Mannion. There is a certain danger in writing a character as complex and manipulative as Mannion and making him tragically romantic. But this story manages to subtly remind the reader that Mannion is not to be trusted, no matter how charming or sincere he might act around Rebecca. Despite the rekindling of their physical relationship, Rebecca is still the strong willed (if a little vengeful) woman we see in Ted Lasso. Skyson once again knocks it out of the park with how well the characters are written, especially Rupert Mannion. The grudging sympathy you feel for him at the end just goes to show how well this story was written."

Other Characters (Long-fic or Series)

Not If I See You First by TheScholarlyStrumpet (Erotic) [James from Manchild)

"The language in this work captures James’ nature clearly and immediately. It would be possible to portray him as purely predatory, a real sleazeball, but giving him pause about the situation and then putting the ball in Victoria’s court shows her agency and also allows us to see James as deeply desirable to her. The encounters that follow are steamy and make you feel like both parties are what each other wants and needs in that moment."

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Honourable Mentions

There's plenty more fanfic, video and artwork where that came from! We've had so many amazing entries this year, and all are equally deserving of being highlighted! With that in mind, here is a full list of the other 2025 Headline nominees with links to each work for you to enjoy:

Video

Compilation of the many creative ways characters referred to Rupert Mannion on Ted Lasso by weltonandwadds

Buffy the Vampire Slayer in Lego, Something’s Wrong With Xander by Trevor Carlee

Giles and Jenny by agelessedits

Oliver Sampson by buffyannegiles

Uther by buffyannegiles

Giles funniest moments pt.1 by buffyshellmouthcollections

Giles & Jenny | BtVS | Nothing's Safe In This World by Jessica Wilson

Don't be sorry, be Giles by agelessedits

Art

Julian from Upgraded by flummoxedart

Dancing On The Edge by flummoxedart