The Roundhouse in London transformed into a hub of cinematic excellence on Sunday night as the 2025 British Independent Film Awards celebrated the finest talent in UK independent filmmaking. Leading the glamour on the distinctive pink carpet was Carey Mulligan, who arrived for the 28th annual ceremony looking every inch the Hollywood star.
Star-Studded Pink Carpet Arrivals
The 40-year-old actress, whose film The Ballad Of Wallis Island received five nominations, made a sophisticated statement in a strapless gold satin gown featuring elegant cream chiffon sashes. Mulligan complemented her striking ensemble with minimal accessories and classic white heels, letting the dramatic dress take centre stage.
She was joined by fellow acting luminaries Andrea Riseborough, 44, and Emily Watson, 58, who both brought their fashion A-game to the prestigious event. Riseborough, nominated for Best Joint Lead Performance for her role in Dragonfly, turned heads in a plunging black dress, while Watson captivated in a dazzling yellow gold silk gown.
The trio were part of an impressive gathering of acting talent that included Ruth Wilson, 43, and Traitors star Celia Imrie, 73, who made a powerful style statement in a white suit accessorised with an Atlas Carré Royal Solaris Brooch set with lab-grown diamonds and sapphire in grey gold.
Major Nominations and Winners
The nominations, announced earlier this month, saw Akinola Davies Jr.'s My Father's Shadow leading the field with an impressive 12 nominations. The poignant story of two brothers understanding their father at a pivotal moment in Nigerian history secured nominations across major categories including Best British Independent Film, Best Director, and The Douglas Hickox Award for Best Debut Director.
Close behind was the romcom Pillion with 10 nominations, followed by I Swear which received nine nominations. Harry Lighton's debut feature Pillion, exploring the complexities of a budding relationship between two very different men, earned him nominations for Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Debut Director.
Among the high-profile nominations were Robert Pattinson and Jennifer Lawrence, both recognised for their work in Lynne Ramsay's Die My Love, which collected eight nominations overall. Lawrence received a Best Lead Performance nomination for her portrayal of a woman driven to the edge in Ramsay's feverish portrait.
Celebrating Independent Filmmaking Excellence
The British Independent Film Awards have established themselves as a crucial platform for recognising innovative and creative filmmaking outside the mainstream studio system. Now in its 28th year, the ceremony continues to highlight emerging talent alongside established names, with categories specifically designed to support breakthrough performers and debut directors.
Other notable nominations included Cillian Murphy for Best Lead Performance in the 1990s-set school drama Steve, while the war film Warfare from Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland received six nominations, including Best Ensemble Performance.
The Breakthrough Performance category featured an exciting mix of new talent, with nominations for Posy Sterling for her role as a mother fighting for custody in Lollipop and Connor Tompkins for his performance in The Son and The Sea.
As the evening unfolded, it became clear that the future of British cinema remains bright, with diverse stories and fresh perspectives receiving well-deserved recognition at one of the industry's most anticipated events.
