Slumdog millionaire leads british independent film awards

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The film, about a poor Indian boy who wins a fortune on a game show, triumphed at the 30 November (08) ceremony, winning the Best Director prize for Boyle and Best Newcomer for teen actor Dev Patel. The picture also landed the coveted Best Film award.

Political drama Hunger also garnered three awards, with Michael Fassbender being named Best Actor for playing Irish hunger-striker Bobby Sands.

Harry Potter star David Thewlis picked up an outstanding contribution prize and his The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas co-star, Vera Farmiga, landed the Best Actress accolade for her role in the gritty concentration camp drama.

Colin Farrell's black comedy In Bruges received seven nominations, but only picked up one trophy - for best screenplay, while Hollywood stars Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes also failed to pick up any prizes.

The list of main winners is as follows:

Best British Independent Film - Slumdog Millionaire

Best Director - Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire

Best Actor - Michael Fassbender, Hunger

Best Actress - Vera Farmiga,The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas,

Best Supporting Actor - Eddie Marsan, Happy-Go-Lucky

Best Supporting Actress - Alexis Zegerman, Happy-Go-Lucky

Most Promising Newcomer - Dev Patel, Slumdog Millionaire

Best Debut Director - Steve McQueen, Hunger

Best Screenplay - Martin McDonagh, In Bruges

Best Foreign Film - Waltz With Bashir

Variety Award - Michael Sheen