Debut writer-director Charlotte Wells and her film Aftersun were the standout winners at the 2022 British Independent Film Awards.
On Sunday 4 December, the Twenty-Fifth British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) took place in London, hosted by Ben Bailey Smith. The ceremony celebrated excellence in British independent filmmaking from the past year, highlighting powerful debuts, inventive storytelling and outstanding performances across film categories.
The evening’s biggest success was Aftersun, Charlotte Wells’ deeply affecting debut feature. Starring Paul Mescal alongside newcomer Frankie Corio, the film examines the bittersweet and complex bond between a father and his daughter during a holiday. Lauded by critics for its emotional subtlety and formal confidence, Aftersun dominated the awards, taking home seven prizes including Best Director and Best British Independent Film. That sweep solidifies the film’s position as a major contender in the upcoming awards season.
2022 also marked an important change at the BIFAs: the introduction of gender-neutral acting categories. Instead of separate actor and actress awards, the ceremony introduced Best Lead Performance and Best Supporting Performance to recognize performances without gendered categories. Rosy McEwen and Kerrie Hayes were honored in these new lead and supporting categories respectively, both receiving acclaim for their work in Georgia Oakley’s poignant LGBTQ+ drama Blue Jean.
The awards show also added Best Joint Lead Performance and Best Ensemble Performance to further acknowledge collaborative and ensemble achievements. Best Joint Lead Performance went to Tamara Lawrance and Letitia Wright for The Silent Twins, while the Best Ensemble Performance honor went to Our River… Our Sky, recognizing the collective strength of its cast.
In the documentary categories, Kathryn Ferguson was awarded Best Debut Director for Feature Documentary for Nothing Compares, the intimate film about the life and impact of Sinéad O’Connor. The documentary also won Best Feature Documentary, underscoring its resonance and craft in capturing a complex cultural figure.
International cinema was also celebrated: Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person in the World won Best International Independent Film, prevailing over several strong global contenders. The decision highlighted the BIFAs’ commitment to recognizing exceptional independent films from around the world as part of their broader cinematic conversation.
Winners at the 2022 British Independent Film Awards
Best British Independent Film – Aftersun
Other nominees included Blue Jean, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Living and The Wonder.
Best Director – Charlotte Wells (Aftersun)
Other nominees: Oliver Hermanus (Living), Sophie Hyde (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande), Sebastian Lelio (The Wonder), Georgia Oakley (Blue Jean).
Best Screenplay – Charlotte Wells (Aftersun)
Other nominees included scripts for Good Luck to You, Leo Grande; Living; The Wonder; and Blue Jean.
Best Lead Performance – Rosy McEwen (Blue Jean)
Other nominees spanned a diverse group of actors recognized for standout work across British independent films.
Best Supporting Performance – Kerrie Hayes (Blue Jean)
Other nominees included a range of supporting performances that contributed significantly to their films’ impact.
Best Joint Lead Performance – Tamara Lawrance, Letitia Wright (The Silent Twins)
Other nominated pairings included Frankie Corio and Paul Mescal for Aftersun, and other notable combinations from that year’s slate.
Best Ensemble Performance – Our River… Our Sky
Other ensemble nominees included Blue Jean, Emily, Flux Gourmet and The Wonder.
Breakthrough Performance – Safia Oakley-Green (The Origin)
The Douglas Hickox Award for Best Debut Director – Charlotte Wells (Aftersun)
Breakthrough Producer – Nadira Murray (Winners)
Best Debut Screenwriter – Georgia Oakley (Blue Jean)
Best Debut Director for Feature Documentary – Kathryn Ferguson (Nothing Compares)
The Raindance Discovery Award – Winners
Best Feature Documentary – Nothing Compares
Best British Short Film – Too Rough
Best International Independent Film – The Worst Person in the World
Best Casting – Shaheen Baig (Blue Jean)
Best Cinematography – Gregory Oke (Aftersun)
Best Costume Design – Jenny Beavan (Mrs Harris Goes to Paris)
Best Editing – Blair McClendon (Aftersun)
Best Original Music – Matthew Herbert (The Wonder)
Best Makeup & Hair Design – Eugene Souleiman, Scarlett O’Connell (Medusa Deluxe)
Best Effects – David Simpson (Men)
Best Music Supervision – Lucy Bright (Aftersun)
Best Sound – Flux Gourmet
Best Production Design – Living
The Richard Harris Award For Outstanding Contribution By An Actor To British Film
Recipient: Samantha Morton.
The Special Jury Prize
Recipient: Open Door.
The 2022 BIFAs reinforced a growing commitment to inclusivity and innovation in independent cinema, honoring fresh voices and career-making debut films alongside established creators. The awards highlighted how British independent film continues to push emotional and formal boundaries, introducing new storytellers and performances that promise to shape the cinematic landscape in the years ahead.