2012 British Independent Film Award Winners

Just when it looked like Berberian Sound Studio and all involved might sweep the boards at the BIFAs, Rufus Norris’ directorial debut, Broken, messed it all up by winning the prize for Best British Independent Film. It also prevented Domhnall Gleeson from picking up Best Supporting Actor for Shadow Dancer – but my mad love for the Irish actor won’t stop me admitting how irritatingly talented Rory Kinnear is.

Talking of mad love, Olivia Colman walked away with her head held high for the second year running with a win for her portrayal of the Queen Mother in Hyde Park On Hudson. Will BAFTA actually take note this year? Who knows.

The Imposter – Oscar-shortlisted, don’t you know – took home Best Debut Director alongside its Best Documentary win. Can’t have them all, Rufus.

Check out the full list of winners below:

2012 British Independent Film Award Nominations

Never one to go with the obvious choices, BIFA’s 15th awards ceremony plays host to a set of nominations which once again prove the power of the documentary.

Although not as initially exciting as last year’s list, BIFA continue their mad love for Vanessa Redgrave and Olivia Colman while giving Robbie Ryan and Domnhall Gleeson recognition for their continued blistering form.

Rufus Norris’ Broken sets the bar with an impressive nine nominations including Best Film, Best Director and a bunch of acting nods, with Ben Wheatley’s Sightseers and Peter Strickland’s Berberian Sound Studio picking up seven.

I’m thrilled to see The Imposter deservedly crossing over from the Best Documentary category, with Bart Layton’s film earning six nominations including Best Director. As I mentioned yesterday, it’s not going to be a quiet season for him.

Though those pesky Americans may manage to pop up in the form of Meryl Streep and Elle Fanning, for those who prefer it quintessentially British (albeit set in India…), there’s no need to fear – The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has earned itself a trio of acting nominations.

The winners will be announced for the seventh time by BIFA Patron, James Nesbitt, on December 9th at the Old Billingsgate in London. So, as ever, check out the full list of nominees below:

2011 BIFA Winners

The 2011 British Independent Film Awards took place in London last night and it was Paddy Considine’s Tyrannosaur that came away as the big winner, surprising those who thought Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy would sweep on its home turf – the film took just one of its seven nominations. However, Considine’s debut came away with three awards, so didn’t take the limelight off other winners of the night.

Fassbender and Redgrave were no surprise in their respective categories, but it’s fantastic to see Olivia Colman end Tilda Swinton’s current run of awards for her stunning performance in Tyrannosaur and it was also rather satisfying to see Kill List rewarded for Michael Smiley’s supporting role. However, come BAFTA, I think the odds may be swaying a little more in Tinker Tailor’s favour.

Also, Oscar take note – SENNA WON BEST DOCUMENTARY!!

Check out the full winners below:

The 2011 BIFA Nominations

And so here starts Awards season.

Admit it, we all felt it looming. From the minute Tinker Tailor came out complete with best of British, we were all secretly wondering who’d be up for the big ones come January 2012. Who would be the one chosen for Best Supporting – Hardy or Cumberbatch? Or neither? Would Gary Oldman finally get his horrifically overdue nomination? But many of us have been quietly making our Academy Award predictions for months now. For those that saw Drive back in August, what of Albert Brooks? That same month, Warrior gave us a possibility in the form of Nick Nolte. And now with trailers for War Horse, Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close, The Descendants, J. Edgar, My Week With Marilyn, Coriolanus and Albert Nobbs etc, etc, etc, coming in thick and fast, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel a little giddy with excitement – and the potential bragging rights that come with guessing the most winners correctly.