RICHARD AYOADE to host 2015 MOËT British Independent Film Awards

BIFA-winning writer, director, presenter and actor Richard Ayoade will host the 2015 Moët British Independent Film Awards.

Richard was nominated for two BIFAs and a BAFTA for his debut film Submarine and won the BIFA for Best Screenplay. He starred in The Watch with Jonah Hill and wrote and directed The Double, starring Jesse Eisenberg. He won a BAFTA for playing Moss in The IT Crowd and featured in Nathan Barley, Time Trumpet and The Mighty Boosh, as well as Garth Marenghi’s Dark Place, which he also wrote and directed. His first book, Ayoade on Ayoade: A Cinematic Odyssey, was published by Faber & Faber in 2014.

Richard said: “I have come to accept that I am now contracted to host this year’s Moët British Independent Film Awards, following in the esteemed footsteps of whoever dropped out. I've been told it's been an outstanding year for British film, but I remember people saying very similar things last year. Let's celebrate regardless.”

BIFA said: “We are very excited that Richard will be hosting the Awards. He is funny, clever and a brilliant filmmaker. He also knows a spectacular amount about film. He’s the perfect host for the Awards and we’re really looking forward to the ceremony with him in charge.”

The Moët British Independent Film Awards will take place on Sunday 6 December at Old Billingsgate.

Nominations were announced on 3 November.

About the Moët BIFAs
The Moët British Independent Film Awards highlight and reward the best, most innovative and creative independent filmmaking and filmmakers in the UK. We identify and encourage emerging talent, support and celebrate the independent film community and promote British film and talent to the public.

Now in its 18th year, the Awards were founded by Elliot Grove and Suzanne Ballantyne in 1998, who also founded the Raindance Film Festival in 1993. Previous winners of the prestigious Best British Independent Film Award include Pride, Metro Manila, Tyrannosaur, The King’s Speech, Moon, Control, Slumdog Millionaire, The Constant Gardener and This Is England.

Proud patrons of the British Independent Film Awards include Mike Figgis, Tom Hollander, Adrian Lester, Ken Loach, Ewan McGregor, Helen Mirren, Samantha Morton, James Nesbitt, Michael Sheen, Trudie Styler, Tilda Swinton, Meera Syal, David Thewlis, Ray Winstone and Michael Winterbottom.

About Moët & Chandon
Moët & Chandon, the champagne of success and glamour since 1743. Renowned for its legendary style, achievements and pioneering spirit, Moët & Chandon is the Maison that introduced champagne to the world. Synonymous with the most venerable traditions and the most modern celebrations, Moët & Chandon has celebrated life’s memorable and triumphant moments with panache for more than 270 years. For Moët & Chandon, success is a matter of style.

The Champagne of Cinema
For nearly a century, Moët & Chandon has celebrated the glamour and the red carpet moments of international cinema. Effervescent and effortlessly chic, Moët & Chandon and the movies are like a Hollywood glamorous couple. The Maison is a strong and long-time supporter of film awards and ceremonies, such as the Golden Globe Awards and the International Film Festivals in Venice and Locarno. Moët & Chandon, an elegant toast to the art of cinema.

Award partners
Moët & Chandon, 3 Mills Studios, BBC Films, The London EDITION, MAC, Movado, Swarovski, Variety

Industry partners
All City, Intermission, RSM, Soho House, Wiggin

Created by Raindance