Kate Winslet keeps it simple in a LBD as she is honoured at British Independent Film Awards... as Carey Mulligan stands out in striking patterned dress
With some of Hollywood's biggest names shunning predicable blockbusters to star in gritty low-budget films, independent film is more popular than ever.
So it was no surprise to see some stellar actors turning up to the Moet British Independent Film Awards in London on Sunday night.
Leading the way at the star-studded bash at Old Billingsgate Market was guest of honour Kate Winslet, who received the Variety Award, which honours British film-makers or stars who have made a global inpact.
Leggy lady: Kate Winslet looked smart in a black dress and blazer as she arrived at the British Independent Film Awards on Sunday night
Honoured: Kate paid tribute to independent cinema as she was accepted the Variety Award for international success as a British talent
The mother-of-three, 40, showed off her tanned legs in a fitted black knee-length dress with floral detailing, which she teamed with a smart blazer.
Accepting her award, she said: 'I absolutely love acting. I love it more and more.
'Independent film has been my best friend for 23 years, and continues to enrich my life beyond measure. Independent film is where I have learned the most and laughed the most.'
Standing out: Carey Mulligan covered up in a striking floor-length patterned dress, while Downton Abbey star Laura Carmichael wore a black, navy and red mini, with female silhouette detailing
Lady in black: Swedish actress Alicia Vikander showed some leg in a black dress with side split
The Titanic actress had her blonde hair styled in tousled waves, with smoky eyes and nude lips completing the look.
While Kate received a big honour, it was Ex Machina which was the big winner of the night, picking up four gongs, including Best British Film, Best Director and Best Screenplay for writer/director Alex Garland.
Also in attendance was new mother Carey Mulligan, who is up for Best Actress for her portrayal of Maud in women's rights movie Suffragette.
The 30-year-old, who gave birth to daughter Evelyn in September, covered up in a striking floor-length patterned dress.
Thrilled: Kate looked chuffed with her award as she addressed the star-studded crowd
Joie de vivre: French actress Marion Cotillard looked elegant in a black sparkly gown with train
Taking the plunge: Suffragette actress Anne-Marie Duff showed some cleavage in a low-black length floor-length dress
The checked dress featured a nature theme, with a parrot, leaves and flowers dotted over the material.
Fellow Best Actress nominee, Marion Cotillard went for a long black dress with cut-out detailing on the shoulders.
The French star has been nominated for her performance as Lady Macbeth in the big-screen adaptation of the William Shakespeare tragedy.
Lady in lace: Helena Bonham-Carter went for a more daring look than normal in a long black lace dress with mini underskirt
Oscar buzz: Irish actress Saoirse Ronan, who has been wowing critics in Brooklyn, looked fab in a sparkling black Burberry dress, while Vicky McClure wore navy co-ord dress and bomber and Malone Souliers shoes
While Carey and Marion were going for floor-length, Downton Abbey star Laura Carmichael opted for a sexier look.
The actress, who plays Lady Edith in the hit period drama, showed off her slim legs in a navy and red mini dress with female silhouette detailing.
Swedish actress Alicia Vikander, who was up Best Actress for The Danish Girl, flaunted her fabulous figure in a long black dress with side-split.
Stunning in satin: Model-turned-actress Agyness Deyn wore a striking structured gold ballgown with Chinese embroidery
Feeling blue: Actress Gemma Chan looked stunning in a long blue gown as she posed up against a champagne fountain
Dazzling: Julie Walters certainly looked the part in a glittery blue floor-length number, which she teamed with a silver clutch and heels
That's not yours! Domhall Gleeson looked sheepish as he clutched the award he picked up on behalf of Tom Hardy
Suffragette star Anne-Marie Duff stood out with one of the sexier dresses of the evening with a low-cut black number.
Anne-Marie was up in the same category as her Suffragette co-star Helena Bonham-Carter for the coveted Best Supporting Actress title, which was won by Olivia Colman.
Helena went against her usual red carpet style and showed off her legs in a daring sheer lace black dress.
Ladies in black: Fresh Meat star Zawe Ashton looked sexy in a shimmering wrap dress, while Best Supporting Actress winner Olivia Colman kept it simple in a black dress and silver pumps
Plenty to celebrate: Kate and Best Actress winner Saoirse had plenty to talk about at the party
''Independent film has been my best friend for 23 years': Kate celebrated with actor Stanley Tucci
Proud winner: Chiwetel Ejiofor was clearly glowing with pride as he clutched his gong
Glittering girl: Irish actress Saoirse, 21, won Best Actress for Brooklyn, as she looked sensational in a navy glittery mini dress
It appeared black was the dominant shade of the evening when it came to fashion with Olivia Colman, Zawe Ashton and Saoirse Ronan all going for the colour.
Irish actress Saoirse, 21, - who won Best Actress for Brooklyn - said: 'I was very, very lucky. I was given the opportunity to honour a journey and a story that is very close to my heart.'
Of course, it wasn't all about the ladies with leading men Colin Farrell, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Luke Evans and Douglas Booth making dapper appearances.
Irish actor Colin, nominated for The Lobster, missed out on the Best Actor gong to Tom Hardy, for his dual performance as Ron and Reggie Kray in Legend.
Film totty: Irish actor Colin Farrell, who is nominated for Best Actor in The Lobster, looked smart in a black suit, while Chiwetel Ejiofor opted for a grey Thom Sweeney suit
Night with the stars: (L-R) Luke Evans (in a Tom Sweeney suit), Adam Arkapaw, winner of the Outstanding Achievement In Craft award for Macbeth and Douglas Booth
Let's party! Vicky chats to Thomas Brodie-Sangster, while Jason Isaacs cuddled up to his wife Emma Hewitt
Little black dress: Olivia Colman walked away with the Best Supporting Actress gong for The Lobster
Tom was across town promoting his new film The Revenant with co-star Leonardo DiCaprio so was unable to attend, although his award was accepted on his behalf by Domhnall Gleeson.
This year's nominations were dominated by The Lobster with nods in seven categories, including Best British Independent Film, Best Director and Best Actor, but only ended up with one for Best Supporting Actress for Colman.
Following close behind was 45 Years and Macbeth with six nominations, while Brooklyn, Amy and Ex Machina had five a piece.
Mingling: Helena chats to Meera Syal and Sanjeev Bhaskar before the awards presentation
She's a winner! Abigail Hardingham was feted with the Most Promising Newcomer Award for Nina Forever
She complements him well! Nick Moran with his fiancee, Dr Jasmin Duran
Supporting her man: The awards' host Richard Ayoade was joined by his actress wife Lydia Fox
Cheers! Nick Moran did the honours and poured champagne into the coupe glasses in the champagne fountain
Let me have a go! Julie - who missed out on Best Supporting Actress - also wanted to try out the giant champagne fountain
Keeping them entertained: The awards were hosted by actor and director Richard Ayoade
Triumphed! Alex Garland's (right) film Ex Machina ended up winning four awards including Best Director and Best Film, while Domhnall Gleeson (left) accepted Tom Hardy's Best Actor award on his behalf
Glamour: Never Let Me Go actress Ella Purnell (left) looked lovely in pink and orange, while Black Mirror star Tuppence Middleton wore a fabulous black sheer dress
Fabulous: Maxine Peake shunned a dress and went for the androgynous look in a jacket and trousers, while Celia Imrie looked great in a navy dress
Red carpet: Colin chats to the press as he arrives at the historic City of London venue
