The sci-fi thriller wins four awards, including best British independent film, while Saoirse Ronan and Tom Hardy take home acting prizes

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Science fiction thriller Ex Machina was a surprise winner at the British independent film awards, winning best British independent film and three other prizes.

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The film, which stars Alicia Vikander and Domhnall Gleeson, beat competition from 45 Years, Amy and The Lobster. It also won best director and best screenplay for Alex Garland and outstanding achievement in craft for the visual effects.

Saoirse Ronan took home the award for best actress for her role in the romantic drama Brooklyn while Tom Hardy won best actor for playing Ronnie and Reggie Kray in the crime biopic Legend. Ronan is an early favourite for a best actress Oscar after also winning at the New York Film Critics Circle awards.

Other winners included Olivia Colman, who won the award for best supporting actress for dystopian dating satire The Lobster, and Brendan Gleeson, who was named best supporting actor for the period drama Suffragette.

There was another surprise in the best documentary category with Asif Kapadia’s hotly tipped Amy losing out to the lesser-known Dark Horse: The Incredible True Story of Dream Alliance.

Oscar-tipped drama Room also won the prize for best international independent film, while Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor picked up awards for their contribution to the British film industry.



Full list of awards

Best British independent film Ex Machina

Best director Alex Garland (Ex Machina)

Best actress Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn)

Best actor Tom Hardy (Legend)

Best debut director Stephen Fingleton (The Survivalist)

Producer of the year Paul Katis & Andrew De Lotbiniere (Kajaki: The True Story)

Best screenplay Alex Garland (Ex Machina)

Best documentary Dark Horse: The Incredible True Story Of Dream Alliance

Best supporting actress Olivia Colman, The Lobster

Best supporting actor Brendan Gleeson, Suffragette

Discovery award Orion: The Man Who Would Be King

Best international independent film Room

Outstanding achievement in craft Andrew Whitehurst (visual effects, Ex Machina)

Best British short film Edmond

Most promising newcomer Abigail Hardingham (Nina Forever)