Newly engaged Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter put on an affectionate display at Moet British Independent Film Awards

MAIL ON LINE
By COLETTE FAHY FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 15:13 EST, 7 December 2014 | UPDATED: 19:33 EST, 7 December 2014



He only announced his engagement last month and things just keep getting better for Benedict Cumberbatch.

Just a few days after his casting as Marvel’s Doctor Strange was announced, the 38-year-old actor walked the red carpet at the Moet British Independent Film Awards at Old Billingsgate Market on Sunday with his beautiful fiancee Sophie Hunter.

Another highlight of Benedict's skyrocketing career came as he was due to be presented with the Variety Award, which recognises a talent who has helped to focus the international spotlight on the UK, at the annual bash, so it's not surprising Sophie was present to cheer him on.

'She's proud of my work, she's proud of me, and she loves me,' he said. 'That's the bottom line, isn't it? That's one of the reasons it's a good fit. It could be a really difficult thing, but she's just so in command of it.'

However, while the star was open about his admiration for his future wife, he was mum on whether or not they'll be quick to start a family, saying: 'I've got to be very coy on that one. Very silent.'

But Benedict was keen to reassure fans that life does go on, now that he has become engaged to Sophie .


Pose for cameras: Benedict with Mark Strong and his Imitation Game co-star Keira following his win

READ MORE HERE: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2864599/Benedict-Cumberbatch-supported-glamorous-fiancee-Sophie-Hunter-prepares-receive-prestigious-Variety-prize-Moet-British-Independent-Film-Awards.html

Nominations Announced for the Moët British Independent Film Awards

INDIEWIRE
By Sydney Levine | Sydneys Buzz
November 10, 2014 at 4:04PM



The nominations for the 17th annual Moët British Independent Film Awards were announced recently, at St Martins Lane, London by actor Jared Harris .

Joint Directors, The Moët British Independent Film Awards’ Johanna von Fischer & Tessa Collinson said: "This has been a record year for MBIFA with over 250 films submitted giving our dedicated members their toughest challenge to date. Hugely impressed by the quality of films and performances across all categories the shortlist demonstrates how the standard of creativity in British independent filmmaking continues to flourish year on year. The decision of who will walk away with one of the iconic MBIFA trophies* is now in the hands of our distinguished independent jury announced today. We are looking forward to seeing as many of the nominees as possible at the Awards on 7th December, to celebrate their incredible achievements. It will be a very personal celebration for us also, as the last in a wonderful 9 Award Ceremonies as Joint Directors of BIFA.”

The highest number of nominations this year goes to "‘71" with nine nominations including Best British Independent Film; Best Director and Debut Director for Yann Demange; Best Screenplay for Gregory Burke; Best Actor for Jack O’Connell and Best Supporting Actor for Sean Harris. "Pride" picked up seven nominations and "Catch me Daddy,""Frank," and "Mr Turner" picked up five nominations each.

Nominations for Best Actress go to Alicia Vikander for "Testament of Youth;" Cheng Pei Pei for "Lilting;" Gugu Mbatha-Raw for "Belle;" Keira Knightley for "The Imitation Game" and Sameena Jabeen Ahmed for "Catch Me Daddy." Leading men hoping to take home the Best Actor award include Asa Butterfield for"X+Y;" Benedict Cumberbatch for "The Imitation Game"; Brendan Gleeson for "Calvary"; Jack O’Connell for "’71" and Timothy Spall for "Mr Turner."

Best Supporting Actor nominations go to Andrew Scott and Ben Schnetzer, both for "Pride;" Michael Fassbender for "Frank;" Rafe Spall for "X+Y" and Sean Harris for"’71."

Dorothy Atkinson for "Mr Turner;" Imelda Staunton for "Pride;" Maggie Gyllenhaal for "Frank;" Sally Hawkins for "X+Y"and Sienna Guillory for "The Goob" are all nominated for the Best Supporting Actress Award.

READ MORE HERE: http://blogs.indiewire.com/sydneylevine/nominations-announced-for-the-moet-british-independent-film-awards-20141110

Dench and Streep in battle for gong (INDEPENDENT IE)

Dame Judi Dench and Meryl Streep are to do battle to be named best actress at the Moet British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs).

James Bond star Judi is nominated for her role in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, while Meryl is up for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady.

Ensemble comedy The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, about a group of British pensioners moving to a retirement hotel in India, is nominated for five awards, including best film, John Madden for best director, Tom Wilkinson for best supporting actor, and Dame Maggie Smith for best supporting actress.

Rapper Plan B's acclaimed directorial debut Ill Manors has three nominations, including the Douglas Hickox award for best debut director.

Terence Stamp and Vanessa Redgrave are both nominated for their performance in moving drama Song For Marion, about a man who finds comfort in his local choir after losing his wife to cancer.

READ MORE: http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/film-cinema/dench-and-streep-in-battle-for-gong-3284855.html