The 28th British Independent Film Awards ceremony was held in London, honoring achievements in UK independent cinema. The comedy Saddle, led by Alexander Skarsgård, was named Best Film.
The story explores an unexpected bond between a biker (Skarsgård) and a reserved young man (Harry Melling). It was written and directed by debut filmmaker Harry Lighton. Saddle collected four awards overall.
In the technical categories, Alex Garland’s wartime thriller Under Fire also picked up four prizes. The Norwegian film Sentimental Value took the award for Best International Film. The complete list of winners is below.
• Best Film:
“Saddle”
• Best Direction:
Akinola Davis Jr. — “The Shadow of My Father”
• Best Lead Performance:
Robert Aramayo — “I Swear”
• Best Supporting Performance:
Jay Lycurgo — “Steve”
• Best Joint Lead Performance:
Tim Key, Tom Basden — “The Ballad of Wallis Island”
• Best Ensemble:
“Under Fire”
• Best Screenplay:
Tim Key, Tom Basden — “The Ballad of Wallis Island”
• Best International Film:
“Sentimental Value”
• Breakthrough Performer:
Posi Sterling — “Lollipop”
• Best Directorial Debut:
Cal McMau — “The Scavenger”
• Best Debut Screenwriter:
Harry Lighton — “Saddle”
• Best Cinematography:
Seamus McGarvey — “Die, My Love”
• Best Editing:
“Under Fire”
• Best Casting:
“I Swear”
• Best Production Design:
“Harvest”
• Best Music:
“The Ballad of Wallis Island” + “Die, My Love”
• Best Costume Design:
“Saddle”
• Best Sound:
“Under Fire”
• Best Visual Effects:
“Under Fire”
• Best Make‑up & Hair:
“Saddle”
• Richard Harris Honorary Award:
Emily Watson
