It’s that time of year again, when British actors, directors, screenwriters and producers come together for the British Independent Film Awards. Get ready for an amalgamation of glamor, grandeur and great talent at the 14th ceremony on Sunday 4 December at Old Billingsgate, London.

It has been announced that the ceremony will be hosted by Chris O’Dowd, Irish comedy actor and star of the hit of the summer, ‘Bridesmaids.’ First-time host O’Dowd commented: “It’s a ceremony which cherishes innovation, elegance and class so I’m humbled that they’ve chosen a host who so clearly lacks any of these things. Expect dancing girls.”

Created in 1988, the British ceremony celebrates and honors great talent within the British Film Industry, as well as promoting promising new talent set to contribute more to the future of the industry.

A Jury is also now in place for the ceremony, chaired by producer Andrew Eaton (The Killer Inside Me). Other members include actress Gemma Arterton (Clash of the Titans), casting director Lucy Bevan (An Education), art director Neil Lamont (Harry Potter), actor David Thewlis (Harry Potter) and editor Justine Wright (Touching the Void).

One of the most prestigious acting awards is the Richard Harris award, introduced in 2003 and dedicated to the late actor, known most famously for portraying Oliver Cromwell and Albus Dumbledore. Fellow Harry Potter star Ralph Fiennes has been announced as the latest to receive the award, marking an Outstanding Contribution to the British Film Industry.

Previous winners were Helena Bonham-Carter (2010), Daniel Day-Lewis (2009), David Thewlis (2008), Ray Winstone (2007), Jim Broadbent (2006), Tilda Swinton (2005), Bob Hosking (2004) and John Hurt (2003).

The nominations for other awards include:

Best British Independent Film
Senna
Shame
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Tyrannosaur
We Need to Talk About Kevin

Best Director
Ben Wheatley – Kill List
Steve McQueen – Shame
Tomas Alfredson – Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Paddy Considine – Tyrannosaur
Lynne Ramsay – We Need to Talk About Kevin

Best Actress
Rebecca Hall – The Awakening
Mia Wasikowsa – Jane Eyre
MyAnna Buring – Kill List
Olivia Colman – Tyrannosaur
Tilda Swinton – We Need to Talk About Kevin

Best Actor
Brendan Gleeson – The Guard
Neil Maskell – Kill List
Michael Fassbender – Shame
Gary Oldman – Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Peter Mullan – Tyrannosaur.

Best Foreign Independent Film
Animal Kingdom
Drive
Pina
A Separation
The Skin I Live In

The awards themselves are an impressive 1kg of Swarovski crystal called ‘Eternal Objects’ designed by Tokujin Yoshioka. For people living within the UK wanting to watch the event, it will be streamed live on Sunday 4 December on www.lovefilm.com

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