Belfast, Kenneth Branagh’s autobiographical tale of growing up during the Troubles, and one-shot restaurant-kitchen drama Boiling Point, starring Stephen Graham, have emerged as the frontrunners for the British independent film awards (Bifas) as both picked up 11 nominations.
Boiling Point, which premiered to acclaim at the Karlovy Vary festival in the Czech Republic, also secured four acting nominations (including one for Graham), as well as best British independent film and best director for Philip Barantini.
Branagh’s film, which emerged as a serious Oscar contender after winning the influential People’s Choice award at the Toronto film festival, scored four acting nods, for Caitríona Balfe, Judi Dench, Ciarán Hinds and for its young lead Jude Hill, but surprisingly was not nominated as best British independent film or for the directing and writing categories.
The winners will be announced on 5 December at a ceremony in London.