Champagne Taittinger – proud partner to the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) – are thrilled to share the nominees and host for this year’s awards, announced this morning by Maisie Williams and Hayley Squires at The London EDITION.
Lady Macbeth leads the way with 15 nominations and Champagne Taittinger will sponsor the Best International Independent Film category. Award-winning actor and writer Mark Gatiss will host the ceremony on 10th December 2017 at Old Billingsgate.
As keen supporters of the arts, Champagne Taittinger is the perfect Champagne for BIFA. A renowned family run Champagne house, Taittinger will ensure guests enjoy a glass of a special something throughout the evening with their Taittinger Nocturne. The perfect party and night time blend.
Included in Lady Macbeth’s 15 nominations are nods for Florence Pugh, Naomi Ackie and Cosmo Jarvis for their performances; Naomi is nominated twice, for Best Supporting Actress and Most Promising Newcomer. Debut features dominate the nominations list, with the first-time writers, producers and directors of Lady Macbeth, I Am Not a Witch and God’s Own Country all recognised in the three newcomer categories – Debut Screenwriter, Breakthrough Producer and The Douglas Hickox Award for Best Debut Director – as well as Best Screenplay, Best Director and Best British Independent Film.
As previously announced, Vanessa Redgrave will be this year’s honouree of The Richard Harris Award, while Gary Oldman will receive The Variety Award. The Richard Harris Award, introduced in 2002 in honour of Richard Harris, recognises outstanding contribution to British film by an actor. Previous winners have been John Hurt, David Thewlis, Bob Hoskins, Jim Broadbent, Daniel Day-Lewis, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Julie Walters, Emma Thompson, Chiwetel Ejiofor and in 2016, Alison Steadman.
The Variety Award recognises a director, actor, writer or producer who has made a global impact and helped to focus the international spotlight on the UK. Past winners include Kate Winslet, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Greengrass, Jude Law, Kenneth Branagh, Liam Neeson, Sir Michael Caine, Naomie Harris, Daniel Craig, Helen Mirren and Richard Curtis.
Winners will be announced by host Mark Gatiss at the British Independent Film Awards Ceremony on Sunday 10 December at Old Billingsgate.