The 2019 British Independent Film Awards were held at London’s Old Billingsgate on Sunday 1 December. The ceremony, hosted by comedian and actress Aisling Bea, opened the UK awards season and celebrated the creativity, craft and distinct voices of independent filmmaking across Britain and beyond.
The evening was dominated by Waad Al-Kateab and Edward Watts’ powerful documentary feature For Sama, which emerged as the night’s biggest winner. The film earned Best British Independent Film along with Best Director, Best Documentary and Best Editing, underlining both its emotional impact and technical excellence. Armando Iannucci’s The Personal History of David Copperfield also had a strong showing, taking home multiple awards across performance and craft categories. Notable individual winners included Renee Zellweger for Best Actress for her portrayal in Judy and Josh O’Connor, who won Best Actor for Only You.
This year’s awards highlighted a wide range of genres and filmmaking approaches, from intimate character dramas to political documentary and international independent cinema. The winners reflected both established talent and rising contributors: debut directors, screenwriters and producers were recognized alongside veteran actors and creative professionals behind the scenes.
Below is the full list of winners at the 2019 British Independent Film Awards:
Best British Independent Film
For Sama
Best Director (Sponsored by Broadsword Event House)
Waad Al-Kateab; Edward Watts – For Sama
Best Screenplay (Sponsored by BBC Films)
Armando Iannucci; Simon Blackwell – The Personal History of David Copperfield
Best Documentary
For Sama
Best Actress
Renee Zellweger – Judy
Best Actor
Josh O’Connor – Only You
Best Supporting Actress
Ruthxjiah Bellenea – The Last Tree
Best Supporting Actor
Hugh Laurie – The Personal History of David Copperfield
Most Promising Newcomer
Sam Adewunmi – The Last Tree
Debut Director – The Douglas Hickox Award (Sponsored by Kodak & Pinewood)
Harry Wootliff – Only You
Debut Screenwriter (Sponsored by Film4)
Emma Jane Unsworth – Animals
Breakthrough Producer
Kate Byers; Linn Waite – Bait
The Raindance Discovery Award
Children of the Snow Land
Best Casting (Sponsored by Casting Society of America & Spotlight)
Sarah Crowe – The Personal History of David Copperfield
Best Cinematography
Benjamin Kracun – Beats
Best Costume Design
Suzie Harman; Robert Worley – The Personal History of David Copperfield
Best Editing (Sponsored by Intermission Film)
Chloe Lambourne; Simon McMahon – For Sama
Best Make-Up & Hair Design (Sponsored by MAC Cosmetics)
Jeremy Woodhead – Judy
Best Music (Sponsored by Universal Music Publishing Group)
Jack Arnold – Wild Rose
Best Production Design (Sponsored by Studio Juice)
Cristina Casali – The Personal History of David Copperfield
Best Sound (Supported by Halo Post)
David Bowtle-McMillan; Joakim Sundstrom; Robert Farr – Beats
Best British Short Film (Supported by BFI Network)
Anna
Best International Independent Film (Sponsored by Champagne Taittinger)
Parasite
Special Jury Prize
Amanda Nevill
The Richard Harris Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Actor to British Film
Kristin Scott Thomas
The 2019 British Independent Film Awards recognized both the artistic achievements and technical skills that drive independent cinema. From documentaries that bring urgent real-world stories to light to narrative films that reimagine classic literature or explore contemporary lives, the winners showcased the breadth and vitality of today’s independent film scene in the UK. The ceremony reinforced the importance of supporting new voices—through awards for debut directors, writers and producers—while honoring established artists whose bodies of work continue to influence British film.
As the awards season continued to unfold, the 2019 BIFAs offered an early indication of the films and performances resonating with critics and industry professionals. Celebrating craft across directing, acting, writing and design, the event provided a comprehensive snapshot of a year in independent filmmaking—highlighting standout projects and the creative teams behind them.