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Getting into the awards fun across the pond, the British Independent Film Awards joined the Gotham Awards, the New York Film Critics Circle, the National Board of Review *deep breath* the European Film Awards, and the Los Angeles Film Critics Association in unveiling its best of the best in cinema for 2024. Hosted by English actor/comedian Peter Serafinowicz, the BIFAs were held on Sunday, December 8 in London at Roundhouse with various artists from around the world in attendance, including Katy O’Brian, nominated for “Love Lies Bleeding,” and Saoirse Ronan, nominated for “The Outrun.”
The Irish hip-hop dramedy “Kneecap” went into the evening with the most nominations at 14 and the most wins, with craft categories having been announced November 26. In addition to being recognized for Casting, Editing, Music Supervision, and Original Music, “Kneecap” went on to receive awards for Best Debut Screenwriter, Best Joint Lead Performance, and the top prize of Best British Independent Film.
Based on the true story of how and why the trio Kneecap was formed, the film features Liam Óg “Mo Chara” Ó Hannaidh, Naoise “Móglaí Bap” Ó Cairealláin, JJ “DJ Próvaí” Ó Dochartaigh playing themselves and Michael Fassbender in a supporting role.
It’s been a good week for Marianne Jean-Baptiste, as in addition to being recognized by the NYFCC and the LAFCA, she went home from the BIFAs with the award for Best Lead Performance. She received the prize for her compelling turn in Mike Leigh’s “Hard Truths,” which follows a middle-aged woman facing mental illness and the effect it has on the loved ones who try to support her. The film was also recognized as one of the Top 10 Independent Films of 2024 by the NBR.
Sean Baker’s “Anora” was also having a good day as not only did its stars Mikey Madison and Yura Borisov receive wins from the LACFAs, but the film also got the award for Best International Independent Film from the BIFAs. This is in addition to recognition for Screenplay from the NYFCC, placement on the NBR’s Top 10, and, of course, the Palme d’Or at Cannes.
Keep reading below to see all the winners at the British Independent Film Awards.
Best British Independent Film
“Kneecap”
Best International Independent Film sponsored by Champagne Taittinger
“Anora”
Best Director sponsored by Sky Cinema
Rungano Nyoni, “On Becoming A Guinea Fowl”
Best Lead Performance
Marianne Jean-Baptiste, “Hard Truths”
Best Screenplay sponsored by Apple Original Films
Sandhya Suri, “Santosh”
Best Supporting Performance
Franz Rogowski, “Bird”
Best Joint Lead Performance
Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, JJ Ó Dochartaigh, “Kneecap”
The Douglas Hickox Award (Best Debut Director)
Christopher Andrews, “Bring Them Down”
Breakthrough Producer
Balthazar De Ganay/James Bowsher, “Santosh” (also produced by Mike Goodridge/Alan McAlex)
Breakthrough Performance sponsored by Netflix
Susan Chardy, “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl”
Best Debut Screenwriter sponsored by Film4
Rich Peppiatt, “Kneecap”
Best Debut Director – Feature Documentary
Pinny Grylls/Sam Crane, “Grand Theft Hamlet”
The Raindance Maverick Award
“Grand Theft Hamlet”
Best Feature Documentary sponsored by Intermission Film
“Witches”
Best British Short Film
“Wander to Wonder’
Best Casting sponsored by Casting Society & Spotlight
Carla Stronge, “Kneecap”
Best Cinematography sponsored by Kodak & Molinare
Ben Fordesman, “Love Lies Bleeding”
Best Costume Design
Michael O’Connor, “Firebrand”
Best Editing
Julian Ulrich/Chris Gill, “Kneecap”
Best Effects
David Simpson, “Civil War”
Best Music Supervision
Gary Welch/Jeanette Rehnstrom, “Kneecap”
Best Make-Up & Hair Design
Lisa Mustafa, “Unicorns”
Best Original Music sponsored by Universal Music Publishing Group
Mikey “Mikey J” Asante, “Kneecap”
Best Production Design sponsored by ATC & Broadsword
Jan Houllevigue, “The Assessment”
Best Sound
Glen Freemantle/Mary H. Ellis/Howard Bargroff, “Civil War”
English (US) ·