'Vera Drake' Sweeps UK Awards

The abortion drama, together with 'Touching the Void', dominate this week's British Independent Film Awards.

Dec  2 2004

'Vera Drake' has sensationally swept the board at this year's British Independent Film Awards.

Mike Leigh's powerful abortion drama won a total of six BIFAs, including best film, best director and best achievement in production, with Imelda Staunton, Phil Davis and Eddie Marsan all carrying home acting honours for their work in the movie.

Staunton's award in particular should strengthen her case for Oscar nomination next year, while the film's huge haul could be an indication that 'Vera Drake' will be a big winner come BAFTA night.

Elsewhere So Solid Crew's Ashley Walters was named most promising newcomer for his stunning performance in 'Bullet Boy', while Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright deservedly collected the best screenplay award for their excellent horror/comedy 'Shaun of the Dead'.

The Douglas Hickox Award for best directorial debut meanwhile went to John Crowley for the marvellously convoluted 'Intermission', while Kevin Macdonald's 'Touching the Void', the true story of a disastrous mountain expedition, came up trumps in both the best documentary and best technical achievement categories.

Bob Hoskins was also a winner on the night when he picked up the Richard Harris Award for outstanding contribution by an actor to British film.

And in one of the closest of the evening's contests, Park Chan-Wook's 'Oldboy' fought off stiff competition from 'The Motorcycle Diaries' and 'Fahrenheit 9/11' to win the best foreign independent film award.


Full list of awards:

British Independent Film – 'Vera Drake'

Foreign Independent Film – 'Oldboy'

Actor – Phil Davis ('Vera Drake')

Actress – Imelda Staunton ('Vera Drake')

Supporting Actor/Actress – Eddie Marsan ('Vera Drake')

Screenplay – Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright ('Shaun of the Dead')

Most Promising Newcomer – Ashley Walters ('Bullet Boy')

Douglas Hickox award for best directorial debut – John Crowley ('Intermission')

Feature Documentary – 'Touching the Void'

Technical Achievement – 'Touching the Void'

Achievement in Production – 'Vera Drake'

British Short – 'School of Life'

Raindance Award – 'The Barn'

Richard Harris Award – Bob Hoskins

Special Jury Prize – Norma Heyman

Variety UK Entertainment Personality – JK Rowling