The British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) have announced their 2025 nominees, with Akinola Davies Jr. and Henry Lighton’s directional debuts amassing 12 and 10 nods, respectively.

Rooted in celebrating film culture, the British Independent Film Awards are a quintessential prong in the nation’s thriving screen industry, and a chance to celebrate the very best in new and established talent. This year’s nominees were announced earlier today by actors Ben Hardy and Saura Lightfoot-Leon, and offer an insight into an outstanding year for British cinema.

Leading the charge is My Father’s Shadow, the understated drama from Akinola Davies Jr. The film is already historical, being the first Nigerian film for the official competition at the Cannes Film Festival. Closely behind comes Pillion – Henry Lighton’s queer rom-com starring Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård – with 10, and I Swear, the heartfelt effort depicting the life of tourettes campaigner, John Davison, with nine nominees.

For Lead Performance, Robert Aramayo gets the nod for the aforementioned I Swear, with Frank Dillane (Urchin), David Jonsson (Wasteman), Jennifer Lawrence (Die My Love), Harry Melling (Pillion) and Cillian Murphy (Steve) also nominated.

BIFA will announce its winners at London’s The Roundhouse on Sunday 30th November. You can see the full nominees list here.

Leading the charge is My Father’s Shadow, the understated drama from Akinola Davies Jr. The film is already historical, being the first Nigerian film for the official competition at the Cannes Film Festival. Closely behind comes Pillion – Henry Lighton’s queer rom-com starring Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård – with 10, and I Swear, the heartfelt effort depicting the life of tourettes campaigner, John Davison, with nine nominees.