God’s Own Country: Gay romance sweeps British Independent Film Awards

A gay romance set in rural England has taken the top prize at this year’s British Independent Film Awards.

The ceremony took place in the coldest night of the year in London, but that didn’t stop Britain’s biggest independent film stars from showing up.

Veteran Gary Oldman was handed the Variety award from actress Kristin Scott Thomas, recognising the global impact of his career as a great of British film.

But the top accolade of the night went to a small production, helmed by a first-time filmmaker.

God’s Own Country, the story of a British farmer who falls in love with a Romanian worker, won best feature, best actor for Josh O’Connor and best debut screenwriter for writer and director Francis Lee.

It was William Oldroyd’s Lady Macbeth that swept most awards, taking home five gongs including best actress for its young star Florence Pugh.

Pugh, a rising name in British cinema, beat veteran names such as Ruth Wilson and Frances McDormand, nominated respectively for Dark River and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

Simon Russell Beale was named best supporting actor for his performance in Armando Inannucci’s The Death Of Stalin, which also picked up best production design, best make-up and hair design and best casting.

The evening did not shy away from Hollywood controversy, with host Mark Gatiss noting that everyone would probably rather be at home "watching Christopher Plummer classic American Beauty" – a film which stars Kevin Spacey in the lead part.

The joke comes after Plummer took on Spacey’s role in Ridley Scott’s upcoming drama All The Money In The World following accusations of sexual harassment.

The winner of the only non-British category of the night was Jordan Peele’s horror comedy Get Out, which has already been listed as one of the strongest Oscar contenders this year.

:: Full list of winners:

Best British Independent Film

God’s Own Country

Best Director

Rungano Nyoni – I Am Not A Witch

Best Screenplay

Alice Birch Lady Macbeth

Best Actress

Florence Pugh – Lady Macbeth

Best Actor

Josh O’Connor – God’s Own Country

Best Supporting Actress

Patricia Clarkson – The Party

Best Supporting Actor

Simon Russell Beale – The Death of Stalin

Most Promising Newcomer

Naomi Ackie – Lady Macbeth

The Douglas Hickox Award (Best Debut Director)

Rungano Nyoni – I Am Not A Witch

Debut Screenwriter

Francis Lee – God’s Own Country

Breakthrough Producer

Emily Morgan – I Am Not A Witch

The Discovery Award

In Another Life

Best Documentary

Almost Heaven, Carol Salter

Best British Short Film

Fish Story

Best Cinematography

Ari Wegner- Lady Macbeth

Best Casting

Sarah Crowe – The Death of Stalin

Best Costume Design

Holly Waddington – Lady Macbeth

Best Editing

Jon Gregory – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Effects

Nick Allder, Ben White – The Ritual

Best Make Up & Hair Design

Nicole Stafford – The Death of Stalin

Best Music

Carter Burwell – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Production Design

Cristina Casali – The Death of Stalin

Best Sound

Anna Bertmark – God’s Own Country

Best International Independent Film

Get Out

(c) Sky News 2017: God’s Own Country: Gay romance sweeps British Independent Film Awards