The London Evening Standard British Film Awards are to make a triumphant return in the New Year, it was announced today.
The ceremony will take place on February 7 at Television Centre in White City to celebrate the best of British film talent.
Stars on the longlist for the awards include Emily Blunt, Kate Winslet and Tom Hiddleston.
The best film category includes Brooklyn, starring Saoirse Ronan, 45 Years, with Charlotte Rampling, and High-Rise, featuring Sienna Miller. In the best actor category, Idris Elba is listed for his role in epic war drama Beasts Of No Nation, and Tom Hardy for Mad Max: Fury Road. Michael Fassbender is listed for his roles in Steve Jobs and Macbeth, and Hiddleston for High-Rise and Crimson Peak.
The longlist for best actress features Blunt, for her part in action thriller Sicario, Dame Maggie Smith for The Lady In The Van, Carey Mulligan for Suffragette and Far From The Madding Crowd, and Winslet for Steve Jobs.
Amy, about the life and death of singer Amy Winehouse, is listed for best documentary, along with My Nazi Legacy. Those listed in the comedy category include Emma Thompson, for The Legend Of Barney Thomson, and Olivia Colman, for The Lobster.
A shortlist for the awards, returning for the first time since 2013, will be announced in January.
The event is also introducing a new audience award for blockbuster of the year. Readers will be able to vote for their favourite from the 10 top-grossing films at the UK box office in 2015. Voting will open early in the New Year.
Sarah Sands, editor of the London Evening Standard, said: “We’re delighted to be relaunching the Evening Standard British Film Awards. Britain has always been, and continues to be, the bedrock of the global film industry and this paper is immensely proud to support it.
“Holding these awards at Television Centre is very exciting for us as the world-renowned venue reflects the limitless imagination and tireless efforts of the creative industry in Britain. This year, we continue to shine a light on Britain’s phenomenal creativity, celebrating the best in British cinema.” The event was established by the Evening Standard in 1973. The rebooted version will take place at Studio 1 at Television Centre, before its highly anticipated redevelopment. It is due for completion next April. The site will include offices, 950 homes, television studios, a gym and a branch of Soho House with a 47-room hotel and members’ club, restaurant, bar and rooftop pool.
Winners since the awards were established in 1973 include Sir Daniel Day-Lewis, Sir John Hurt and Dame Helen Mirren.
For information, visit televisioncentre.com. #ESFilmAwards
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