Announced 9 December by actors Holliday Grainger and Micheal Ward, the 2020 British Independent Film Award (BIFA) nominations proved that the indie community is alive and well, even amid a pandemic crisis. A total of 27 British films achieved recognition ahead of the February 2021 ceremony, which will honour the year in independent filmmaking.
Writer-director Rose Glass’ first feature, StudioCanal UK’s Saint Maud, led the nominations tally with an impressive 17 nods, including debut categories and for actors Morfydd Clark and Jennifer Ehle. Not far behind is Remi Weekes’ Netflix hit His House, with 16 nods including for stars Wunmi Mosaku and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù. Amid a year of fearful uncertainty for the industry and the world, it’s fitting that both debuts play in the horror genre.
Morfydd Clark’s Audition Technique Nailed Her Lead Role in ‘Saint Maud’ Sarah Gavron’s coming-of-age film Rocks is nominated 15 times, including for supporting actor D’angleou Osei Kissiedu and newcomers Bukky Bakray and Kosar Ali. As both the star and screenwriter of Mogul Mowgli, Riz Ahmed has been recognised four times at BIFA this year; his short film The Long Goodbye also notched a nomination. And Florian Zeller’s The Father, from Sony Pictures Classics, earned six nods including for star Anthony Hopkins. This marks the acting legend’s first BIFA recognition.
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Irish crime drama Calm With Horses rounds out this year’s Best British Independent Film category alongside Saint Maud, His House, Rocks, and The Father. For a full list of nominations and more, visit BIFA’s official website.
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