While many of our all time favourite films are indies (Parasite, Juno, Lost In Translation, the list goes on...), it's fair to say that over the past few years independent films — and British independent films in particular — have had a real moment.
From Aftersun and How To Have Sex to Good Luck To You, Leo Grande and Rocks, some of the most astonishing recent performances have been from British indies. This year is no exception, with some of the most exciting movies dominating film festivals and conversations alike in 2024 being indies like Kneecap, The Outrun and Love Lies Bleeding.
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Every year, British independent cinema is celebrated at the BIFAs (British Independent Film Awards), with recent gongs awarded to big names like Paul Mescal, Olivia Colman and Josh O'Connor. The breakthrough performer category is a real special one too, highlighting the performances of incoming acting talent with last year's winner being Vivian Oprah for the brilliant Peckham-set rom com Rye Lane.
To mark their special moment, in the run up to the awards, ELLE UK spoke to the five nominees for this year's award, Jason Patel, Nykiya Adams, Ruaridh Mollica, Saura Lightfoot-Leon and Susan Chardy, about their monumental years.
Jason Patel (Unicorns)
My reaction to being nominated for a BIFA was..
It didn’t feel real. This is new to me so it’s a lot to take in, it felt and still feels so ridiculous, silly and amazing. I texted my amazing managers, and agents straightaway as we have all worked so hard together. I also messaged my family and closest friends because I didn’t get to this point on my own, it’s been with the people who have stuck with me on this delusional planet I live on. This is such a monumental moment not only in my life but also theirs. It is so rare to be recognised for your work, and when you are I just think of all the sacrifices previous generations in my family or community have made so I can do what I love, and I hope to continue to be able to platform representation and opportunities to more people who deserve to be seen.
The biggest 'pinch me' moment of 2024 has been...
When Unicorns released on Netflix, opening up the page to see my face as the first thing on the screen is a real pinch me moment. It is also great bragging rights for my parents. I also found out days ago that the Danny Boyle, had watched Unicorns and I received a message to say that he loved it. This is someone whose work has inspired me from a young age, so to have him watch me is out of this world.
The biggest thing I learned from working on 'Unicorns' was...
Leading a project is a big responsibility, you give it your everything to set a tone for people to stay motivated and inspired. It's something I take with serious grace, pride and commitment. I am definitely not the same person I was before filming Unicorns, I've always been on a journey to find out what life has to offer me but this process gave me the understanding of how much I can offer life, what impact I can truly give as an artist and how I can make the world a better place. Unicorns gave me so much empowerment and confidence which I hope vibrates into the audience watching the film.
The other performances I loved this year were...
I recently saw Sebastian, I genuinely thought it was such a beautiful film with such a wonderful performance from Ruaridh. We’ve become friends this year and so it adds an extra layer of pride as seeing your friends shine is an amazing feeling. We had a long-awaited hug when we saw each other after being nominated for breakthrough performance this year.
What's next for me...
I am an open book! I would like to explore lots of different things. I can’t believe I am quoting Justin Bieber but, ’Never say never’. There is so much to be a part of, and I don’t want to be a one trick pony or be involved in just specific things. As an recording artist I feel musically connected to really pushing that moment, I always say I want to play Prince in his biopic, but that is just one example. The world is my oyster and I am ready to taste it with a serious amount of tabasco. I admire the career of actors such as Dev Patel, Eddie Redmayne and Jonathan Bailey who have been a part of such a variety of projects. I also admire Michaela Coel who is this shapeshifting force of nature.
Nykiya Adams (Bird)
My reaction to being nominated for a BIFA was..
I was in my science class, next to my friends, who read my phone, and we all started freaking out. I then went to my best friend's class and told her.
The biggest 'pinch me' moment of 2024 has been...
The year has gone quickly for me with lots of 'pinch me' moments in such a short time and constantly going between school, sports and film festivals. I think the biggest 'pinch me' moment of this year was my filmed interview for Variety, walking my first red carpet and this nomination.
The biggest thing I learned from working on 'Bird' was...
To be yourself, a priceless piece of advice from my co-stars, Barry (Keoghan), Jasmine (Jobson) and Franz Rogowoski.
The other performances I loved this year were...
I’ve seen many amazing performances this year, but I think my favourites are Saura’s performance in Hoard and Jason’s performance in Unicorns. All the performances have been mesmerising and truly a blessing to watch.
What's next for me...
I would like to take my acting career further and everyone will see me again — I’ll make sure of that. My biggest idols are Barry and Jasmine as they are the most amazing people I have ever met. Their humility and talent is honestly something to marvel and admire, and I hope one day I'll become just like them, helping a weird 13-year-old through filmmaking.
Ruaridh Mollica (Sebastian)
My reaction to being nominated for a BIFA was..
I was in bed sound asleep actually. I woke up, checked my phone and had a few messages from my agents and friends saying 'CONGRATULATIONS'. I wasn't sure what was going on until Jason Patel FaceTimed me from the nomination event asking where I was and that I'd been nominated alongside him. At that moment I started freaking out and then had to tell him to take me off FaceTime because I was still in my dressing gown. Then I called my mum.
The biggest 'pinch me' moment of 2024 has been...
My whole life has changed. There have been a lot of pinch-me moments, heck doing this interview with ELLE UK about the nomination is pretty pinch-me in itself! Going to Sundance as the lead of a film was a true highlight, and so was having something we worked so hard on be showcased at such an iconic festival.
The biggest thing I learned from working on 'Sebastian' was...
Firstly, having self belief and trusting in your abilities. Secondly, that as an actor I am only a small cog in the massive team of incredible people who make a film, thirdly that a smile can make someone's day and lastly to have body confidence.
The other performances I loved this year were...
Everyone short and longlisted alongside me in this category, I watched everyone's films recently and my god what utter talent these people possess. I also have to shout out Koji Yakusho in Perfect Days, I think of that performance often for its depth, joy and sensitivity.
What's next for me...
I'd love to do more comedy after having done The Franchise, but equally I adore indie film and would jump at another character study type piece. The footsteps I'd dream to follow in (even a little) would be: Michael Fassbender, Harris Dickinson, and Frances McDormand.
Saura Lightfoot-Leon (Hoard)
My reaction to being nominated for a BIFA was..
I was in the kitchen having coffee. This was a very lovely way to begin the day, I called my family straight away.
The biggest pinch me moment of 2024 has been...
Having my family watching Hoard with me in this huge auditorium in Venice. Feeling them by my side whilst sharing something I love. That was a memory I’ll never forget.
The biggest thing I learned from working on 'Hoard' was...
Trusting that everything has its time. Things will fall into place in an organic way without you forcing. It’s about staying open and being aware of these precious transitory moments.
The other performances I loved this year were...
Franz Ragowski in Bird. I was deeply moved by the quality of empathy in his performance. I love watching people who listen with their whole being. It allows for a type of presence that captivates.
What's next for me...
I do have dreams, of course. But I like the surprise of not knowing what’s around the corner waiting for me…
Susan Chardy (On Becoming A Guinea Fowl)
My reaction to being nominated for a BIFA was..
I attended the announcement ceremony and as soon as I heard my name, I could barely contain myself. My eyes nearly popped out of my head, and I let out a tiny squeal — though I had to keep it discreet since I was right near the front. The first person I tried to call was Rungano (Nyoni, the director), who has been so wonderfully supportive and excited for me, but she didn’t pick up. Naturally, I then called my husband who had stepped out of a meeting to take my call, and the moment he answered, we turned into giddy kids, making silly, celebratory noises between all the ‘congratulations’ he was quietly ‘yelling’ into the phone.
The biggest 'pinch me' moment of 2024 has been...
This year, everything started to feel real with On Becoming A Guinea Fowl as soon as I watched it at Cannes for the first time. Up until then, I was just immensely proud to have completed my first acting job. The fact that it was in my mother tongue, with fellow Zambians, in 'my' Zambia—a place that means so much to me—and telling a story I felt was so important, was already a 'pinch me' moment. All that has followed has been beyond anything I could have imagined. I’m still utterly gobsmacked to have been nominated not only for Breakthrough Performance but also for Best Lead Performance. If ever there was a true ‘pinch me’ moment, this is it.
The biggest thing I learned from working on 'On Becoming A Guinea Fowl' was...
Spending a couple of months on set was an incredible opportunity to learn on the job, but what stayed with me most was what I learnt from my peers. Watching Rungano at work was a masterclass in itself — absolutely fascinating and deeply inspiring. This film has given me memories I’ll carry with me for a lifetime, but the most powerful lesson I learnt is this: finding your voice doesn’t always come from within, sometimes, it’s reflected back to you — through the eyes or words of others, offering you a glimpse of yourself you hadn’t seen before.
The other performances I loved this year were...
I recently watched Slow Horses for the first time, and I’m completely obsessed with Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Jackson Lamb. His embodiment of the role is so seamless that it feels completely natural, almost as if it’s not a performance. He’s absolutely wonderful in it — funny, effortlessly brilliant, and truly mesmerising. I’ve also been completely taken by Saura Lightfoot-Leon in Hoard. Her performance stayed with me, and I loved it.
What's next for me...
I’d love to stretch myself and try something on the other end of the spectrum. I’ve always loved action and dreamed of doing my own stunts, so I’d be excited to dive headfirst into something like that and really learn a new combative skill for a character. Alternatively, a romcom could be a great way to break things up. I’m all about versatility, but I think it’s crucial to choose projects that truly speak to you. Emily Blunt is someone I really admire for her versatility — comedy, action, romance, horror, animation... she’s done it all, and I’d love to do the same! I’ve always admired Viola Davis, not only for her incredible acting but for her ability to take on such varied roles. What’s so inspiring is that she brings such raw authenticity and commitment to each role. She’s truly locked into whatever she does, and I take so much inspiration from her professionalism and dedication. As for my trajectory, the ultimate goal is to be like Denzel Washington - someone who, after decades of work, has not had to do a self-tape…for the last forty years. That’s the dream.
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Olivia Blair is Entertainment Editor (Luxury) at Hearst UK, working across ELLE, Esquire and Harper's Bazaar. Olivia covers all things entertainment and has interviewed the likes of Margot Robbie, Emma Stone, Michaela Coel and Ryan Gosling over the years.
