The Variety Award, which recognizes a director, actor, writer or producer who has made a global impact and helped to focus the international spotlight on the UK, was presented to Kate Winslet. "I absolutely love acting. I love it more and more," Winslet said. "Independent film has been my best friend for 23 years, and continues to enrich my life beyond measure. Independent film is where I have learned the most and laughed the most."
The award for international independent film was taken by "Room." Jacob Tremblay, the young star of the film, collected the award with the producers. The Raindance Discovery Award went to "Orion: The Man Who Would Be King." The documentary honor went to "Dark Horse: The Incredible True Story of Dream Alliance," and Alex Garland took the screenplay prize for "Ex Machina." The producers of the year were Paul Katis and Andrew De Lotbiniere for "Kajaki: The True Story," and Stephen Fingleton was named best debut director for "The Survivalist."
Abigail Hardingham was named Most Promising Newcomer for her performance in "Nina Forever," while "Edmond" took the short film award. The achievement in craft award was picked up by Andrew Whitehurst for the visual effects on "Ex Machina." Among those attending are Winslet, Marion Cotillard, Alicia Vikander, Charlotte Rampling, Agyness Deyn, Colin Farrell, Helena Bonham Carter, Luke Evans, Julie Walters, Carey Mulligan and Ronan.
Full list of winner and nominees below:
Best British Independent Film
"Ex Machina"
Best Director
Alex Garland, "Ex Machina"
Best Actor
Tom Hardy, "Legend"
Best Actress
Brendan Gleeson, "Suffragette"
Best Supporting Actress
Olivia Colman, "The Lobster"
Best Screenplay
Alex Garland, "Ex Machina"
Best Foreign Independent Film
"Room"
Best Debut Director (Douglas Hickox Award)
"The Survivalist"
Best Achievement in Craft
Andrew Whitehurst (visual effects), "Ex Machina"
Best Documentary
"Amy" "Dark Horse: The Incredible True Story of Dream Alliance"
Most Promising Newcomer
Hardingham, "Nina Forever"
Producer of the Year
Paul Katis and Andrew De Lotbiniere, "Kajaki: The True Story"
Raindance Discovery Award "Aaaaaaaah!"
"Orion: The Man Who Would Be King"
Best Short Film
"Edmond"-Reuters