Celebrities gathered at the Old Billingsgate Market in London this week to attend the 16th annual Moet British Independent Film Awards. Arriving in style on the red carpet were Tom Hardy and his fiancée Charlotte Riley, along with James McAvoy and Julie Walters to name but a few. The event was hosted by James Nesbitt, who opened the evening by describing the ceremony as “better than the BAFTAs, more original than the Oscars and less Nazi than the GQ Awards.”
The prestigious Richard Harris Award went to actress Julie Walters, which recognises an outstanding contribution to British filmography by an actor or actress. The accolade has previously been won by Helena Bonham Carter, Bob Hoskins and Daniel Day-Lewis. Celebrating forty years in the industry, an emotional Ms Walters told Sky News:
The Variety Award went to the director of The Bourne Supremacy Paul Greengrass in recognition of his global success following the recent release of kidnap drama Captain Phillips. The Oscar-nominated director continues to accrue international critical acclaim. Past recipients of The Variety Award have included Sir Michael Caine, Jude Law and Dame Helen Mirren. Other categories included the best actor and actress, best screenplay and documentary and the best short film. The red carpet proved itself to be just as star-studded as a Hollywood event as the attendees showcased a variety of new-season looks.
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The Winners:
Richard Harris Award: Julie Walters
Best International Independent Film: Blue is the Warmest Colour
The Raindance Award: The Machine
Most Promising Newcomer: Chloe Pirrie
Best British Short Film: Z1
Best Supporting Actor: Ben Mendelsohn
Special Jury Prize: Sixteen Films and Friends
Best Technical Achievement: Amy Hubbard
Best Supporting Actress: Imogen Poots
Best Achievement in Production: Metro Manila
Best Documentary: Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer
The Variety Award: Paul Greengrass.
Best Actor: James McAvoy
Best Screenplay: Steven Knight
Best Actress: Lindsay Duncan
Best Director: Sean Ellis
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