‘Ex Machina’ named best film of 2015 at the British Independent Film Awards

Alex Garland’s sci-fi thriller “Ex Machina” was the big winner Sunday evening at the British Independent Film Awards. Besides taking top honors, the picture also won director and screenplay for Garland, and visual effects for Andrew Whitehurst.

Tom Hardy won lead actor for his dual role as the Kray twins in “Legend” and Saoirse Ronan received lead actress as an Irish immigrant in “Brooklyn.”

Brendan Gleeson was named supporting actor for his role as a police inspector in the period drama “Suffragette” and Olivia Colman won supporting actress for her portrayal of a hotel manager in “The Lobster.”

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In other awards Sunday:

International film: “Room”

Documentary: “Dark Horse: The Incredibly True Story of a Dream Alliance”

Achievement in production: Paul Katis and Andrew De Lotbiniere for “Kajaki: The True Story”

Special jury prize: Chris Collins (posthumous)

Douglas Hickox Award for debut feature: Stephen Fingleton for “Survivalist”

British short: “Edmond”

Raindance award: “Orion: The Man Who Would Be King”

Newcomer: Abigail Hardingham for “Nina Forever.”

Chiwetel Ejiofor was presented with the Richard Harris Award for outstanding contribution to British film by an actor. And Kate Winslet was the recipient of the Variety Award, which recognizes either a director, actor, writer or producer who has helped to focus the international spotlight on the United Kingdom.

Comic-actor Richard Ayoade hosted the awards presented in a ceremony at the Old Billingsgate in London.