Gomorra sweeps European Film Awards

In a not totally unexpected move, the Italian Mafia drama "Gomorra" has won numerous prizes at the 21st European Film Awards. As this was very much a collaborative piece with intertwining tales, no less than six writers picked up the Best Screenwriter award for it, Maurizio Braucci, Ugo Chiti, Gianni di Gregorio, Matteo Garrone, Massimo Gaudioso and Roberto Savian."Gomorra" also picked up Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Cinematography.

Other notable wins include "Hunger" (European Discovery) and "La graine et le mulet" (European Film Academy Critics Award). For the full list of winners, visit the European Film Academy.

British Independent Film Award winners

The much anticipated 11th BIFA awards ceremony took place on Sunday 30 November in London, hosted by James Nesbitt. The tone was upbeat, which is hardly suprising as it has been great year for British film. Elliot Grove, founder of Raindance and the BIFA's says "The nominated films and film-makers and winners prove that filmmaking is alive and well in the U.K." Johanna von Fischer and Tessa Collinson, BIFA co-directors said: “It’s been another stellar year for independent film in Britain. The diverse range of films nominated showcases an astounding lineup of talent both new and established that demands to be celebrated.”

John Woodward, Chief Executive Officer of the UK Film Council, the major funding partner of the BIFAs says: "This year's BIFA nominations and award winners really highlight the range of talent working in the UK with powerful, ground-breaking and imaginative films coming from filmmakers with diverse voices."

All this would be irritating if there weren't some truth to it. The range and quality of the films is impressive this year. Here are the 2008 winners.

BEST BRITISH INDEPENDENT FILM
Slumdog Millionaire


BEST DIRECTOR
Danny Boyle – Slumdog Millionaire


BEST SCREENPLAY
Martin McDonagh – In Bruges (personal favourite!)

THE DOUGLAS HICKOX AWARD [BEST DEBUT DIRECTOR]
Steve McQueen – Hunger


BEST ACTRESS
Vera Farmiga – The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas


BEST ACTOR
++Michael Fassbender – Hunger


BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Alexis Zegerman – Happy-Go-Lucky

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Eddie Marsan – Happy-Go-Lucky


MOST PROMISING NEWCOMER
Dev Patel – Slumdog Millionaire


BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION
The Escapist


RAINDANCE AWARD
Zebra Crossings

BEST TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT
Cinematography – Sean Bobbitt – Hunger

BEST DOCUMENTARY
Man on Wire


BEST BRITISH SHORT
Soft

BEST FOREIGN FILM
Waltz with Bashir

THE RICHARD HARRIS AWARD (for outstanding contribution to British Film)
David Thewlis

THE VARIETY AWARD
Michael Sheen

THE SPECIAL JURY PRIZE
Joe Dunton

For further details, visit Raindance.