It was a big night for Irish film at the 17th annual Moët British Independent Film Awards last night, with Frank, Brendan Gleeson, and Andrew Scott scoring wins.
Gleeson won Best Actor for his powerful performance in John Michael McDonagh’s Calvary, which was filmed in Ireland with backing from the Irish Film Board.
Sherlock star Scott, who will next be seen in the new James Bond film Spectre, picked up Best Supporting Actor for his role in Matthew Warchus’ superb drama Pride. Co-star Imelda Staunton also picked up an award for Best Supprting Actress, with the film winning the overall title for Best British Independent Film.
Lenny Abrahamson’s Frank picked up two of the technical awards, with Jon Ronson and Peter Straughan winning Best Screenplay, and Dublin based composer Stephen Rennicks winning the Best Techniacl Award category for his sublime work with the music in the film.
Elsewhere the Wicklow based, British born, director John Boorman was presented with The Special Jury Prize, commemorating a lifetime of wonderful contributions to filmmaking.
Best International Independent Film went to Richard Linklater’s Boyhood, cementing its position as one of the favourites for Oscar in March.
The Full List of Winners:
Best British Independent Film
Pride
Best Director
Yann Demange for ’71
The Douglas Hickox Award for Best Debut Director
Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard for 20,000 Days on Earth
Best Screenplay
Jon Ronson and Peter Straughan for Frank
Best Actress
Gugu Mbatha-Raw for Belle
Best Actor
Brendan Gleeson for Calvary
Best Supporting Actress
Imelda Staunton for Pride
Best Supporting Actor
Andrew Scott for Pride
Most Promising Newcomer
Sameena Jabeen Ahmed for Catch Me Daddy
Best Achievement in Production
The Goob
Best Technical Achievement
Stephen Rennicks, Music for Frank
Best Documentary
Next Goal Wins
Best British Short
The Karman Line
Best International Independent Film
Boyhood
The Raindance Award
Luna
The Richard Harris Award (for outstanding contribution by an actor to British film)
Emma Thompson
The Variety Award
Benedict Cumberbatch
The Special Jury Prize
John Boorman