British Independent Film Awards: ‘The Favourite’ Wins Record 10 Awards

Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Favourite lived up to its name at the 21st edition of the British Independent Film Awards on Sunday night.

The Oscar-tipped dark comedy went into the ceremony — which was held in London at Old Billingsgate and hosted by Russell Tovey — with 13 nominations, and had already won five in the craft categories, which were revealed last month. But it left with a further five nods, including best British independent film, best director for Lanthimos, best screenplay, best actress for Olivia Colman (maintaining her perfect record of winning a BIFA with every nomination) and best supporting actress for Rachel Weisz. The Favourite's 10 awards is a BIFA record. 

Elsewhere on the night, Bart Layton's American Animals won two prizes for best editing and debut screenwriter (for Layton), the same number as Lynn Ramsay's You Were Never Really Here, which picked up best sound and music honors.

Joe Cole’s portrayal of an English boxer in a Thai prison in A Prayer Before Dawn earned him the best actor award, while Alessandro Nivola was named best supporting actor for his performance in Disobedience opposite Weisz and Rachel McAdams. 

The Turner Prize-winning artist Richard Billingham received the Douglas Hickox Award for best debut director for Ray & Liz, while the film’s producer Jacqui Davies won the award for breakthrough producer.

Beast star Jessie Buckley was named most promising newcomer.

Evelyn, directed by Orlando von Einsiedel (who won an Oscar for his short The White Helmets), was tapped as best documentary. 

As previously announced, Judi Dench was presented with the 2018 Richard Harris award for outstanding contribution by an actor to British film.

See the list of winners, below.

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