While the world is waiting with bated breath for the nominations for the Oscars and Golden Globes, the UK is celebrating their independent success as Alex Garland's sci-fi drama 'Ex Machina' takes home four awards at the Moët British Independent Film Awards.

Ex MachinaEx Machina wins big at the BIFAs

It's the innovative independent films that really shape the international film industry, and it's important that they're recognised for their efforts. Starring Domhnall Gleeson, 'Ex Machina' proved to be a huge hit and took home awards for Best British Independent Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay and Outstanding Achievement in Craft which went to visual effects artist Andrew Whitehurst. As part of a BIFA screening event, the film will be shown at selected cinemas on December 13th 2015.

More: Read our review for 'Ex Machina'

It made for a family success too as Domhnall Gleeson's father Brendan Gleeson took home the prize for Best Supporting Actor after his appearance in 'Suffragette'. It comes after his Best Actor win last year for 'Calvary'.

Meanwhile, Best Actor unsurprisingly went to Tom Hardy following his impressive stint as both the Kray twins in 'Legend', and Saoirse Ronan took home Best Actress for her portrayal of an Irish girl in New York in 'Brooklyn'.

LegendTom Hardy's double role wins him Best Actor

Further awards included Best Supporting Actress for 'The Lobster' star Olivia Colman, Most Promising Newcomer for Abigail Hardingham from 'Nina Forever', and Best International Independent Film for kidnap thriller 'Room'. 

Chris Collins, a British Film Institute executive who passed away in 2014, was posthumously honoured with the Special Jury Prize for his achievements in the film industry. 'This is a really wonderful tribute to Chris', said the director of the BFI Lottery Film Fund Ben Roberts. 'He is greatly missed, but his contribution to so many films and filmmakers continues to burn brightly.'

BrooklynSaoirse Ronan wins her first BIFA with 'Brooklyn'

The event was hosted by Richard Ayoade and held at Old Billingsgate, London and followed the previously announced Variety Award announcement. This year's accolade, which praises an industry member for bringing international attention to UK films, went to Kate Winslet. Also, 'Secret in Their Eyes' star Chiwetel Ejiofor landed the Richard Harris Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Actor to British Film.