The 2024 British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) sees a sweep by 'Kneecap', Sean Baker's 'Anora' winning Best International Independent Film, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste taking Best Lead Performance for 'Hard Truths'.
- Dec 9, 2024
AceShowbiz - The 2024 British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) proved to be a triumph for "Kneecap", the cheeky biopic about the Belfast rap trio. The film swept seven awards, including Best British Independent Film, Best Debut Screenwriter for Rich Peppiatt, and Best Joint Lead for Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and J.J. O Dochartaigh.
"Anora", Sean Baker's Palme d'Or winner starring Mikey Madison, claimed Best International Independent Film at the BIFAs. Madison expressed her joy and belief in the film's special qualities. "Kneecap" director Peppiatt acknowledged the challenges faced by similar films and expressed hope that their success would encourage more funding for such projects.
The BIFAs also recognized "Hard Truths" star Marianne Jean-Baptiste with Best Lead Performance. Jean-Baptiste's win is a testament to her talent and versatility, and may bolster the film's Oscar chances.
The BIFAs' success reflects a growing consensus within the film criticism community. "Anora" and "Hard Truths" were also recognized by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, further solidifying their potential for Oscar attention.
The BIFAs' international award for "Anora" underscores the film's global appeal and its potential as Ireland's submission for the Best International Feature Oscar.
Overall, the 2024 BIFAs highlighted the diversity and talent of British cinema, with "Kneecap", "Anora" and "Hard Truths" emerging as strong contenders for upcoming awards season accolades.
The Full List of Winners at the British Independent Film Awards 2024:
- Best British Independent Film: "Kneecap"
- Best British Short Film: "Wander to Wonder"
- Best Casting: Carla Stronge, "Kneecap"
- Best Cinematography: Ben Fordesman, "Love Lies Bleeding"
- Best Costume Design: Michael O’Connor, "Firebrand"
- Best Debut Screenwriter: Rich Peppiatt, "Kneecap"
- Best Debut Director: Christopher Andrews, "Bring Them Down"
- Best Debut Director – Feature Documentary: Pinny Grylls, Sam Crane, "Grand Theft Hamlet"
- Best Director: Rungano Nyoni, "On Becoming a Guinea Fowl"
- Best Editing: Julian Ulrichs, Chris Gill, "Kneecap"
- Best Effects: David Simpson, "Civil War"
- Best Ensemble Performance: Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Anjana Vasan, Joanna Scanlan, Gemma Jones, Malachi Kirby, Lolly Adefope, Eileen Atkins, Timothy Spall and Hugh Skinner, "Wicked Little Letters"
- Best Feature Documentary: "Witches"
- Best International Independent Film: "Anora"
- Best Joint Lead: Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, JJ O Dochartaigh, "Kneecap"
- Best Lead Performance: Marianna Jean-Baptiste, "Hard Truths"
- Best Make-Up and Hair Design: Lisa Mustafa, "Unicorns"
- Best Music Supervision: Gary Welch, Jeanette Rehnstrom, "Kneecap"
- Best Original Music: Michael ]Mikey J] Asante, "Kneecap"
- Best Production Design: Jan Houllevigue, "The Assessment"
- Best Screenplay: Sandhya Suri, "Santosh"
- Best Sound: Glenn Freemantle, Mary H Ellis, Howard Bargroff, "Civil War"
- Best Supporting Performance: Andrea Arnold, "Bird"
- 2024 Richard Harris Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Actor to British Film: Sophie Okonedo
- Special Jury Prize: Fully Focused | The Million Youth Project
