Dev Patel, who plays Anwar in Skins, has scooped a prestigious award with his very first movie, Slumdog Millionaire (see trailer, above). We were there at the super-cool British Independent Film Awards (aka the BIFAs) in east London to see 18-year-old Dev win Most Promising Newcomer. And his film, which tells the story of how an Indian slumkid arouses suspicion when he performs brilliantly on the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, was the night’s big winner overall, also scooping Best Film and Best Director. From director Danny Boyle (Trainspotting) and the writer of The Full Monty, Slumdog Millionaire is that rare film that audiences love just as much as critics, and is likely to be the big popular contender in the major awards races such as the Oscars. The BIFAs attracted top stars including Keira Knightley, James McAvoy and Sienna Miller. Presenter James Nesbitt counted himself out from consideration as the new Doctor Who when he cracked, “Two years in Cardiff? No thanks.” We think you just lost several hundred thousand Welsh fans, Jimmy.
The big winners:
Best 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
For a full list of winners, click here.
Skins actor wins top award