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Moon takes top prize at BIFAs

Duncan Jones' debut named best British independent film.

by Amber Wilkinson

Moon went home with the top award at the British Independent Film Awards on Sunday, while its helmer Duncan Jones picked up the debut director's award for the Sam Rockwell starring sci-fi. But a strong field of contenders ensured no single film dominated the night, as has been the case in previous years.

Andrea Arnold was named as best director, for Fish Tank and best screenplay went to Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche, the team behind satire In The Loop.

Acting awards, meanwhile, went to Carey Mulligan for her turn as a 16-year-old ingenue in An Education, and Tom Hardy for his powerful turn as lifer Charles Bronson in Nicholas Winding Refn's Bronson.

Johanna von Fischer and Tessa Collinson, BIFA co-directors said: "No single film dominates the Awards this year, reminding us of the high quality and variety of talent on offer in the UK. And if we can be celebrating so much good work in a year that is said to be difficult, there is a lot to shout about."

Elliot Grove, founder of Raindance and the British Independent Film Awards added: "The nominees and winners this year prove again the wealth of fresh and diverse filmmaking talent that distinguishes British independent filmmaking."

The full list of winners is as follows:

Best British independent film Moon

Best Director
Andrea Arnold: Fish Tank

The Douglas Hickox Award (best debut director)
Duncan Jones: Moon

Best Screenplay
Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche: In The Loop

Best Actress
Carey Mulligan: An Education

Best Actor Tom Hardy: Bronson

Best Supporting Actress
Anne-Marie Duff: Nowhere Boy

Best Supporting Actor
John Henshaw: Looking For Eric

Most Promising Newcomer
Katie Jarvis: Fish Tank

Best Achievement in Production
Bunny And The Bull

Raindance Award
Down Terrace