The nominations for the 2025 British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) were unveiled on Monday, showcasing a vibrant array of talent in independent cinema. Akinola Davies Jr.’s film, My Father’s Shadow, and Harry Lighton’s Pillion emerged as the leading contenders, with the former receiving 12 nominations and the latter following closely with 10. Both films made their debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where they garnered significant acclaim.
The announcement took place at One Hundred Shoreditch in London, with actors Ben Hardy and Saura Lightfoot-Leon revealing the nominees. Davies’ first directorial venture has been recognized not only for its storytelling but also for its screenplay, earning nominations in both the Best Director and Best Debut Director categories. Similarly, Lighton’s Pillion is celebrated for its screenplay and debut direction.
In the performance categories, notable actors have been nominated, including Jennifer Lawrence for her role in Die, My Love, which received a total of eight nominations. Other prominent nominees include Cillian Murphy for Steve, David Jonsson, and Tom Blyth for their performances in Wasteman.
The nominees for Best Lead Performance include Robert Aramayo for I Swear, Frank Dillane for Urchin, and Harry Melling for Pillion. In a competitive Supporting Performance category, Alexander Skarsgard is nominated for his role in Pillion, while Maxine Peake, Tom Blyth, and others are recognized for their performances in various films.
The BIFAs also highlighted the Best Ensemble Performance award, which went to Warfare, directed by Alex Garfield. The film features a remarkable cast, including D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Will Poulter, and Joseph Quinn, and received six nominations overall.
In addition to acting categories, the awards recognize excellence in various technical fields. Tim Key and Tom Basden received nominations for Best Joint Lead Performance in The Ballad of Wallis Island. Andrea Riseborough and Brenda Blethyn are also nominated in the same category for Dragonfly.
The Best International Feature category presents a diverse selection of films, including It Was Just An Accident by Jafar Panahi and Sentimental Value by Joachim Trier, among others. The nominations for Best Debut Director underscore the rising talents in the industry, featuring Harris Dickinson for Urchin and Harry Lighton for Pillion.
The complete list of nominees reflects the breadth of creative storytelling in independent film. With categories ranging from Best British Independent Film to Best Original Music, the BIFAs continue to celebrate innovative and diverse voices in cinema.
As the awards ceremony approaches, anticipation grows for the winners in each category, highlighting the significant contributions of filmmakers, actors, and technicians in shaping the landscape of British independent cinema. The BIFAs promise to be an exciting event, showcasing the talent and creativity that defines this vibrant sector of the film industry.
