Benedict Cumberbatch to Receive Variety Award at BIFAs

VARIETY
Leo Barraclough

LONDON — Benedict Cumberbatch is to receive the Variety Award at the Moet British Independent Film Awards on Dec. 7 at Old Billingsgate, London.

The award recognizes a director, actor, writer or producer who has helped to put the international spotlight on the U.K. Paul Greengrass was given the award last year. Previous recipients include Jude Law, Kenneth Branagh, Liam Neeson, Daniel Craig and Helen Mirren.

Cumberbatch’s latest film, “The Imitation Game,” has been nominated in four categories at the British Independent Film Awards: British independent film; screenplay for Graham Moore; actress for Keira Knightley; and actor for Cumberbatch.

Cumberbatch commented: “I am delighted to receive this prestigious award, and would like to thank Variety and the Moet British Independent Film Awards for this incredible honor. It is made even more special by the recognition of ‘The Imitation Game’ in this year’s nominations, a film I am very proud to be a part of.”

Cumberbatch is best known for playing the title role of Sherlock Holmes in “Sherlock,” Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss’ adaption of the Arthur Conan Doyle books. The role won him an Emmy this year.

So far this year, Cumberbatch has been filming “Black Mass,” playing Bill Bulger alongside Johnny Depp, and Shere Khan in Andy Serkis’ “Jungle Book.” He is also part of the voicecast in DreamWorks Animation’s “Penguins of Madagascar,” which is released later this year.

He is currently shooting “The Hollow Crown” for the BBC and Neal Street Productions, in which he plays Richard III for director Dominic Cooper, and alongside Judi Dench.

Next he will shoot “Lost City of Z,” based on David Grann’s novel for director James Gray, where he will play British explorer Percy Fawcett, who set out to discover the City of Z in the Amazon in the 1920s.

READ MORE HERE: http://variety.com/2014/film/news/benedict-cumberbatch-to-receive-variety-award-at-bifas-1201355475/

Fassbender, Gleeson, Scott among British indie nominees

RTE
Monday 03 Nov 2014

Gleeson and Fassbender - Nominated for their work on Calvary and Frank respectively

Michael Fassbender, Brendan Gleeson and Andrew Scott are among a number of Irish nominees for this year's British Independent Film Awards.

Gleeson is nominated in the Best Actor category for his performance in Calvary.

The film, which was an Irish and British co-production, is also nominated for Best British Independent Film, Best Director (John Michael McDonagh) and Best Screenplay (John Michael McDonagh).

Fassbender is nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category for his performance in Frank, while Scott is nominated in the same category for his work on Pride.


READ MORE HERE: http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2014/1103/656593-british-independent-film-awards/

James McAVoy: Empire Awards: Scots film star James McAvoy crowned Best Actor for role in Filth

DAILY RECORD
Mar 30, 2014 20:53 By Brian McIver



SCOTS Star James McAvoy is the toast of the movie world after being crowned Best Actor at the Empire Awards.

The actor won for his part as corrupt Edinburgh copper Bruce Robertson in the hit Irvine Welsh adaptation Filth and immediately paid tribute to fans for the award.

He said: “You’re faced with a quandary when you’re nominated for an award- do you come up with a speech or not? I’ve opted not, but I love you all.

“Thanks very much and get on ye!”

McAvoy who was controversially snubbed at this year’s BAFTA awards, where he was not even nominated despite winning huge acclaim for his performance in the film directed by Jon S. Baird.

The 34-year-old Glasgow born actor’s win adds to the British Independent Film Award he won in December, and he last night thanked the Empire readers for the latest honour.

READ MORE HERE: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/celebrity/empire-awards-scots-film-start-3303382

The stars were out for The British Independent Film Awards!

From Lizzie Pyle on December 6, 2011

On Sunday 4^th December, the very best in British talent turned out for the 14^th Moët British Independent Film Awards in London town. The star-studded ceremony, held at Old Billingsgate was hosted by actor/comedian Chris O’Dowd, and streamed live for the first time ever on LOVEFiLM.

Highlights of the awards included Lynne Ramsay picking up Best Director for the controversial We Need to Talk About Kevin, Michael Fassbender took home Best Actor for Shame, and I was so excited for Olivia Colman who won Best Actress for her stunning performance in this year’s big winner Tyrannosaur. The film’s director Paddy Considine was awarded The Douglas Hickox Award for Best Debut Director , and it also took home Best British Independent Film. It is a must see!

BIFA 2011Best Actor, Michael Fassbender

Two of our country’s most prestigious actors took home special awards; Ralph Fiennes recieved the coveted Richard Harris Award for outstanding contribution by an actor to British film, and Kenneth Branagh the Variety Award.

BIFA 2011 winner Kenneth Branagh

Joint Directors of The Moët British Independent Film Awards, Johanna von Fischer & Tessa Collinson said: “What a fantastic year for British film! This year’s nominees embodied a diverse range of genres and those walking away with awards tonight are representative of the high quality of outstanding talent we have in this country. Congratulations to them all.”

BIFA 2011 Moet Champagne

The awards were sponsored by Moët & Chandon, and all the stars that attended the ceremony supported ‘Toast for a Cause’, helping to raise thousands of pounds for their favourite charities by toasting with mini Moët & Chandon bottles! A great night for the British film industry!

Click here to read Glam’s reviews from this years 55th BFI LFF

Glam UK

Michael Fassbender and Kenneth Branagh win big at British Film awards

Posted on Monday, December 05, 2011 at 04:02 AM

Irish actors Michael Fassbender and Kenneth Branagh swept the major awards at the British Independent Film Awards on Sunday.

Fassbender received the Best Actor award for his role as a sex addict in Steve McQueen's movie 'Shame', and Belfast born Kenneth Branagh won the Variety Award for lifetime achievement.

Fassbender, who hails from Killarney, paid tribute to director Steve McQueen who also worked with him on his breakthrough role as Bobby Sands in 'hunger."

"I love the man. He is great.

"We seem to have a pretty good shorthand when we're on set.

"The passion he arouses in all members of the crew, on camera and behind it, that is the really inspiring thing to be around."

Branagh said: "It is very exciting and thrilling.

"It is very nice to have a prize that has the words 'variety' and 'independence' attached to it because it is what I like to pursue in my work and to be in an atmosphere that people say is the Christmas party for the film industry."

He said he loved his time with the Harry Potter series.

"I've just done a film, My Week With Marilyn, with Emma Watson, who was this size when I first worked with her, and to see her maturing, and Dan [Daniel Radcliffe] and everyone, that's exacting."

Read more: http://www.irishcentral.com/story/ent/amyandrews_gossipgirl/135012668.html#ixzz1fl2BSwnv

IRISH CENTRAL

Tyrannosaur takes hat trick at British Independent Film Awards

Paddy Considine collects best film and best debut director awards while Olivia Colman is best actress 

• Mark Brown, arts correspondent
• guardian.co.uk, Sunday 4 December 2011 17.30 EST
• Article history

Paddy Considine with Olivia Colman on the set of Tyrannosaur which took best film, best debut director and best actress at the British Independent Film Awards. Photograph: Jack English/Optimum Releasing/studio canal

Tyrannosaur, Paddy Considine's gripping and gruelling study of rage, has become the biggest winner at the 14th British Independent Film Awards.

Starring Peter Mullan as a drinking, gambling, washed-up widower, it was surprise winner of the best film award from a particularly strong shortlist that included Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Shame, Senna and We Need to Talk About Kevin.

t is not a first date movie, or rather would be one for unusual people. The tone is set in the first minutes when Mullan's character kicks his dog to death after he is kicked out of the bookies. While it is not easy to watch, critics have showered the film with praise.

Considine, best known as an actor, was given the Douglas Hickox award for best debut director. The film's hat trick of prizes was completed by Olivia Colman – who won best actress for her portrayal of Hannah, a charity shop manager who befriends Mullan's character.

Best actor was Michael Fassbender for his lead role in Shame, Steve McQueen's second feature film after Hunger. The award joins his best actor prize from the Venice film festival for his portrayal of a desperately unhappy sex addict. Fassbender, who spends much of the film naked, beat strong competition that included Mullan, Gary Oldman, Neil Maskell and Brendan Gleeson.

Lynne Ramsay won best director for We Need to Talk About Kevin, based on Lionel Shriver's 2003 novel about a school massacre. For film enthusiasts it was a welcome return to the spotlight for Ramsay who made her name with her debut feature Ratcatcher in 1999.

There were two awards for Weekend, a film made on a tiny budget about two men who embark on a love affair which has generated considerable buzz. The unknown Cardiff actor Tom Cullen won best newcomer while the film was rewarded with best achievement in production.

Other awards at a ceremony hosted by Chris O'Dowd at Old Billingsgate in London included best supporting actress, won by Vanessa Redgrave in Coriolanus; best supporting actor, Michael Smiley for Kill List; and best screenplay, Richard Ayoade from The IT Crowd for Submarine.

The Bifas have a record of rewarding films which go on to more glamorous prize success, such as The King's Speech last year and Slumdog Millionaire in 2008, although only the most optimistic would predict such success for Tyrannosaur.

Special awards were also made to two of Britain's finest actors.

Ralph Fiennes, who this year made his directorial debut with Coriolanus, was given the Richard Harris award for outstanding contribution to British film by an actor. He follows Daniel Day-Lewis, Jim Broadbent and, last year, Helena Bonham-Carter.

Kenneth Branagh was given the Variety award for someone who has helped focus the international spotlight on the UK, a prize previously awarded to Liam Neeson, JK Rowling and Michael Caine.
The prizes were completed by Senna winning best documentary and Chalk the best British short, while Maria Djurkovic won best technical achievement for production design on Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Leaving Baghdad won the Raindance award and the Iranian drama A Separation won best foreign independent film. A special jury prize was given to film financier Graham Easton.

Main awards

Best Film Tyrannosaur
Best Director Lynne Ramsay, We Need to Talk About Kevin
Best Actor Michael Fassbender, Shame
Best Actress Olivia Colman, Tyrannosaur
Best Documentary Senna

The Guardian

Kenneth Branagh thrilled with award

 

(UKPA) – 3 hours ago

Kenneth Branagh has said it is "thrilling" to be honoured at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs).

The actor and director received The Variety Award at Old Billingsgate in central London at a glamorous awards ceremony attended by stars including Vanessa Redgrave, Hayley Atwell and Gemma Arterton.

Kenneth said: "It is very exciting and thrilling. It is very nice to have a prize that has the words 'variety' and 'independence' attached to it because it is what I like to pursue in my work and to be in an atmosphere that people say is the Christmas party for the British film industry."

The star of My Week With Marilyn added it was "very important" to honour independent film, adding: "These are people who are publishing stories which are very connected with what the British public might be interested in, what society is interested in, what the zeitgeist is about and that is important.

"The nation needs to talk about itself and hold a mirror up to nature and these films are doing that and the more they are doing that the better."

My Week With Marilyn director Simon Curtis, who attended the awards with his wife, Downton Abbey star Elizabeth McGovern, said it was a "true privilege" working with Kenneth. He said: "Ken is a brilliant actor, a brilliant director and a really brilliant man. I am really, really proud of him."

Harry Potter star Ralph Fiennes was also honoured for his outstanding contribution to British film with the Richard Harris award, named after the legendary actor and hellraiser.

Ralph arrived with Vanessa, who won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in his directorial debut, a big screen adaptation of Shakespeare's Coriolanus.

Ralph said: "I think we're both very happy that we shared making this film. It was extremely challenging to make at a time when no one was rushing forward to make Coriolanus. The fact that we can be here and honoured with nominations - it is great."

Vanessa added: "Ralph has worked so hard to raise the money and his co-producers were fantastic. They used every bit of their hunger and longing to make this film, to find a way to get the finance to make it, it is an extraordinary celebration that not only Ralph's Coriolanus but all the other films here tonight."

Copyright © 2011 The Press Association. All rights reserved.

British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) Film awards for Fiennes and Branagh

 

(UKPA) – 1 hour ago

Ralph Fiennes and Kenneth Branagh will share the limelight when they are honoured at a prestigious film awards ceremony next month.

The pair will be recognised at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs).

Harry Potter star Fiennes will pick up an award named after legendary actor and hellraiser Richard Harris which recognises an outstanding contribution to British film.

His career includes Oscar-nominated roles in Schindler's List and The English Patient and he is set to star in the new James Bond film Skyfall.

Previous winners of the award include John Hurt, David Thewlis, Bob Hoskins, Daniel Day-Lewis and Helena Bonham Carter.

Belfast-born Branagh will be given The Variety Award at the ceremony at Old Billingsgate in central London on Sunday December 4.

The event, formally known as the Moet British Independent Film Awards, is in its 14th year.

Last year's awards were dominated by The King's Speech, which scooped five gongs including Best British Independent Film and acting honours for its stars Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush.

Copyright © 2011 The Press Association. All rights reserved.

The Moët British Independent Film Awards can be watched on LOVEFiLM.

BIFA Awards To Be Streamed Live This December

News

The Moët British Independent Film Awards can be watched on LOVEFiLM.

Posted 25th October 2011, 11:34am in Film

 

The Moët British Independent Film Awards are to be streamed live on LOVEFiLM.com this year.

Fans will be able to see the star-studded event, which celebrates the best of independent filmmaking, as it happens for the first time.

The Moët BIFAs take place on Sunday 4th December, and the exclusive broadcast will include live coverage from the red carpet as the nominees, presenters and guests arrive at the venue, followed by a live stream of the awards ceremony.

Last year's winers include Colin Firth and Carey Mulligan, with the award ceremony predicting the Oscars results as The King's Speech swept the board. However, the BIFAs also gave Gareth Edwards' astonishing sci-fi Monsters the recognition it deserved, with three awards.

Visitors at LOVEFiLM will be able to tweet their questions to the stars as they walk down the red carpet and see their answers live as they are interviewed. Reactions from the winners as they come off stage will be tweeted directly to followers of LOVEFiLM’s twitter feed @LOVEFiLM #MoetBIFAs making their users the first in line to hear from the talent as they step off stage.

Johanna von Fisher and Tessa Collinson, directors of the BIFAs, said: "LOVEFiLM couldn’t be a more fitting partner for us and we are thrilled that true fans of British cinema will be able to watch all the action as it unfolds on the night. It is also a great opportunity to introduce a wider audience to independent cinema, hopefully shining the light on those films with smaller marketing budgets."

In addition to the live streaming of the arrivals and the awards ceremony, LOVEFiLM will be launching the BIFA Winners Collection on the website, where previous winners of the Best British Independent Film Award including films such as Moon, Slumdog Millionaire, Control, Vera Drake and Sexy Beast will be available for users to download, providing them with an opportunity to rediscover the very best in British independent filmmaking.

The awards take place at London's Old Billingsgate from 6.30pm on 4th December at www.lovefilm.com/MBIFA. The nominees will be announced on 31st October.