British Independent Film Awards 2025: Highlights and Winners

Writer-director Harry Lighton's debut feature film, "Pillion," took home four British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) in London. The film, a sub/dom romance starring Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling, won awards for best independent British film and best debut screenwriter. Celia Imrie presented the best film award at the ceremony, which celebrated indie film. "Pillion" also won BIFA craft awards, bringing its total wins to four, tying with "Warfare" and "A Want in Her" for the most wins at the event.

"Myrid Carten's documentary, "A Want in Her," received three BIFAs, including best feature documentary and best debut director. Joachim Trier's "Sentimental Value" was honored as the best international indie film. Akinola Davies Jr. won best director for "My Father's Shadow," while Tom Basden and Tim Key won for best joint lead performance and best screenplay for "The Ballad of Wallis Island." Acting awards went to Robert Aramayo, Posy Sterling, and Jay Lycurgo for their performances in various films.

The Douglas Hickox Award for best debut director went to Cal McMau for "Wasteman," and the breakthrough producer honor was given to Dhiraj Mahey for "Ish." The best British short film award went to "Magid / Zafar," and a special jury prize was awarded to Warp Films. Emily Watson received the Richard Harris Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Actor to British Film.

The evening was filled with gratitude and appreciation for independent cinema, with a diverse range of films and talents being recognized for their contributions to the industry. Congratulations to all the winners at the British Independent Film Awards 2025!