'American Honey' Leads British Independent Film Awards

Andrea Arnold of American Honey at the BIFAs
"American Honey" director Andrea Arnold at the British Independent Film Awards, where she won best British independent film. David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock

American Honey dominated the British Independent Film Awards in London Sunday, winning four trophies including best British independent film.

The coming-of-age drama, about a teenage girl who runs away from home to join a traveling sales crew, also took home best actress for lead star Sasha Lane, best director for Andrea Arnold and best cinematography.

Moonlight, Barry Jenkins' poignant drama about a black gay man coming to terms with his sexuality, was awarded best international independent film. It is the latest win for the Oscar favorite, which also won best film at the Los Angeles Film Critics Awards Sunday,

I, Daniel Blake , legendary British auteur Ken Loach's drama about the shame of poverty in austerity Britain, won in the category of best actor, thanks to Dave Johns—a Newcastle comic who made his acting debut in the film. Co-star Hayley Squires was voted most promising newcomer.

Actors Alison Steadman and Naomie Harris won special awards for their contributions to acting. Steadman won the Richard Harris Award, recognizing her five-decade career, while Naomie Harris was given the Variety Award for helping put a spotlight on British filmmaking on an international scale.

British Independent Film Awards—selected winners:

Best British Independent Film: American Honey

Best International Independent Film: Moonlight

Best Actor: Dave Johns, I, Daniel Blake

Best Actress: Sasha Lane, American Honey

Best Director: Andrea Arnold, American Honey

Best Supporting Actor: Brett Goldstein, Adult Life Skills

Best Supporting Actress: Avin Manshadi, Under the Shadow

Best Documentary: Notes on Blindness

Most Promising Newcomer: Hayley Squires, I, Daniel Blake

Best Screenplay: Babak Anvari, Under the Shadow

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