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‘Elsinore,’ ‘I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning’ and ‘Animol’ Lead British Independent Film Awards Nominations
“Elsinore” leads the 2026 British Independent Film Awards nominations with 12 nods, including best British independent film, director for Simon Stone and lead performance for Andrew Scott. The film tells the story of actor Ian Charleson taking on Hamlet at the National Theatre while seriously ill with AIDS, and its strong showing puts it at the centre of this year’s awards race.
“I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning” received eight nominations, followed by “Animol” with seven; “Effi O Blaenau” and “Queen at Sea” each earned six. Three directorial debuts, “Extra Geography”, “Straight Circle” and “Florid”, received five nominations apiece, while Mike Leigh’s final film, “Tender Loving Care”, received three. Craft winners will be announced on 24 November, with the remaining awards presented at London’s Roundhouse on 6 December.
In short
- “Elsinore” tops the BIFA nominations with 12.
- “I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning” follows with eight.
- The main awards ceremony is set for 6 December.
Explained simply
The British Independent Film Awards, known as the BIFAs, recognise films made in Britain and independent cinema. They have categories for acting, directing and technical work, and separate awards for craft achievements and the main prizes.
The nominated films range from stories about actors and illness to contemporary dramas. Ian Charleson was a Scottish actor best known for playing Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire; he also played Hamlet at London’s National Theatre while living with AIDS. These awards bring attention to British films and the people who make them.
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