The 15TH MOËT British Independent Film Awards BIFA Winners in 2012

British Independent Film Awards,BIFA in acronym, Created in 1998

by Raindance founder Elliot Grove,The British Independent Film Awards set out to celebrate merit and achievement in independently funded British filmmaking, to honour new talent, and to promote British filmmaking and British talent to a wider public.

THE 15TH MOËT BRITISH INDEPENDENT FILM AWARDS

London, Sunday 9th December -- An impressive array of British talent turned out this evening for the 15th Moët British Independent Film Awards. The winners were announced at the star-studded ceremony, held at Old Billingsgate which was hosted by BIFA Winning actor James Nesbitt.

Best British Independent Film was won by BROKEN with Peter Strickland picking up Best Director for BERBERIAN SOUND STUDIO; Andrea Riseborough won Best Actress for SHADOW DANCER and Toby Jones won Best Actor for BERBERIAN SOUND STUDIO. Olivia Colman collected her second BIFA in two years, this time for Best Supporting Actress for HYDE PARK ON HUDSON and Rory Kinnear took home Best Supporting Actor for BROKEN.

BERBERIAN SOUND STUDIO won the most awards on the night, picking up four trophies for Best Director, Best Actor, Best Achievement In Production and Best Technical Achievement. THE IMPOSTER won two awards: Best British Documentary and The Douglas Hickox Award (Directorial Debut) for Bart Layton, matching the tally for BROKEN which also won two for Best British Independent Film and Best Supporting Actor. SIGHTSEERS won Best Screenplay and THE HUNT was awarded Best International Independent Film. James Floyd picked up the Most Promising Newcomer Award for his role in MY BROTHER THE DEVIL.

Joint Directors, The Moët British Independent Film Awards Johanna von Fischer & Tessa Collinsonsaid: "It is wonderful to see so many films acknowledged by our jury which goes to prove what a strong year 2012 has been for British Independent film. We were delighted that so many of the winners were with us tonight to collect their awards and celebrate our 15th Birthday, along with a number of previous winners, patrons, and friends of BIFA. We are extremely proud that The Moët British Independent Film Awards continues to highlight the extraordinary talent that is so plentiful within British independent filmmaking today."
As previously announced, Sir Michael Gambon was awarded the coveted Richard Harris Award for outstanding contribution by an actor to British film, and Jude Law the Variety Award, which recognises an actor, director, writer or producer who has helped to focus the international spotlight on the UK. The Special Jury Prize went to Sandra Hebron.

Emelie De Vitis, Marketing Director for Moët & Chandon, commented:  "Moët & Chandon is delighted to celebrate BIFA's 15th anniversary, as the stature of the awards continues to grow with so many world class winners. We are thrilled that so many of the brightest stars of the British film industry supported our 'Toast for a Cause' initiative, helping raise thousands of pounds for their favourite charities."

The Raindance Award was won by STRINGS. Elliot Grove, Founder of Raindance Film Festival and BIFA added: "This year's BIFA nominations demonstrate that British filmmakers are now an international force to be reckoned with."