The 2002 Awards

Indicative of the vibrant and cutting edge spirit of independent film in the UK, the fifth British Independent Film Awards saw a shift in locale to the trendy nightclub Pacha in London’s Victoria on Wednesday, October 30th 2002. The evening was hosted by Johnny Vaughan and attended by such high-profile guests as Samantha Morton, James Nesbitt, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Ray Winstone and Trudie Styler. Thanks to another excellent year for British films, there was stiff competition for the awards, with films such as Bloody Sunday, Sweet Sixteen, The Lawless Heart and Bend it Like Beckham all recieving several nominations and Movern Callar receiving an unprecedented seven nominations. In addition, Ewan McGregor was awarded the Variety UK Personality of the Year Award, further spotlighting the success British actors have enjoyed in the industry worldwide. The Awards also saw the inauguration of the Richard Harris Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Actor in honour of the outstanding actor who passed away shortly before the awards, having been nominated for his powerful performance in My Kingdom. And saw George Harrison posthumously receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award, highlighting his often unrecognised far-reaching influence on the British film industry. In accordance with the move away from formal nature of previous awards, 2002 also saw the first after-show party, also held at Pacha - an opportunity for the guests to relax and further celebrate the achievements of the British independent film industry into the small hours of the morning. The success of the event was recognised by Time Out magazine when they singled it out as one of the top parties of 2002.