Northern Ireland

Kenneth Branagh’s movie Belfast misses out on British Independent Film Awards despite leading nominations

The autobiographical film is based on Kenneth Branagh's childhood in Northern Ireland
The autobiographical film is based on Kenneth Branagh's childhood in Northern Ireland The autobiographical film is based on Kenneth Branagh's childhood in Northern Ireland

KENNETH Branagh’s movie Belfast has missed out at the British Independent Film Awards (Bifa) despite leading the nominations this year.

The autobiographical film, which is based on Branagh's childhood in Northern Ireland, had received 11 nods, including young actor Jude Hill's nomination in the breakthrough performance category.

But despite being tipped for BAFTA and Oscar nominations, it did not take home any awards from the Bifa ceremony in London on Sunday night.

After Love triumphed at the event, beating Belfast and Boiling Point to win six prizes, including some of the most coveted awards, such as best British independent film, best screenplay and best director for Aleem Khan.

Khan, whose portrayal of a relationship built on marital lies, said: "Is this actually happening, this is so crazy there are honestly no words.

"This film at its core is about strangers seeing themselves in one another, I think right now in the world we are living in we can take a lot from that."

Joanna Scanlan won best actress for her portrayal of a Muslim convert in After Love, uncovering the secret life led by her late husband.

Boiling Point, starring Stephen Graham as a chef under pressure, received one award for best supporting actress - going to Vinette Robinson.

Riz Ahmed was handed The Richard Harris Award for Outstanding Contribution for his role in Encounter, Shifty, Four Lions, and Mogul Mowgli at the 24th annual awards.

Adeel Akhtar emerged victorious for best actor at the ceremony, beating James Norton, Stephen Graham, Riz Ahmed and Jude Law.