Film honour for stand-up

Stand-up Michael Smiley has won an acting gong at the British Independent Film Awards, ahead of such luminaries as Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hardy.

The 47-year-old Belfast-born comic was named best supporting actor for his role as Gal in the thriller Kill List.

In comparison, best supporting actress went to Vanessa Redgrave.

He said: ‘Just to be in the company of those names on the shortlist was incredible – so I was blown away to have won.’

In other categories, the IT Crowd's Richard Ayoade won best screenplay for his debut, Submarine.

And Peep Show's Olivia Colman won best actress' for her work in Tyrannosaur, which won best the film and best debut director for Paddy Considine.

Michael Fassbender took best actor for his role in Shame and Lynne Ramsay won best director for We Need to Talk About Kevin.

Published: 7 Dec 2011