RACHEL WEISZ - CONSTANT GARDENER TOPS BRIT FILM AWARDS

Thriller THE CONSTANT GARDENER was the big winner at last night's (30NOV05) British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), triumphing in three main categories, including Best Film.

The FERNANDO MEIRELLES-directed adaptation of JOHN LE CARRE's best-selling novel was named Best British Independent Film, while its stars RACHEL WEISZ and RALPH FIENNES were named Best Actress and Best Actor respectively at the star-studded ceremony in London's Hammersmith Palais.

Following close behind was horror movie THE DESCENT with two wins, with film-maker NEIL MARSHALL picked up Best Director and editor JON HARRIS for Best technical achievement.

Young star KEIRA KNIGHTLEY collected the Variety UK personality of the year for her performances in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, THE JACKET and DOMINO, while BROKEN FLOWERS actress TILDA SWINTON was the recipient of the Richard Harris Award For Outstanding Achievement.

The full list of winners is:

Best British Independent Film - THE CONSTANT GARDENER

Best Actor: RALPH FIENNES, THE CONSTANT GARDENER

Best Actress: RACHEL WEISZ, THE CONSTANT GARDENER

Best Supporting Actor/Actress: ROSAMUND PIKE, THE LIBERTINE

Most Promising Newcomer: EMILY BARCLAY, IN MY FATHER'S DEN

Best Director: NEIL MARSHALL, THE DESCENT

Best Screenplay: FRANK COTTRELL BOYCE, MILLIONS

Douglas Hickox Award (Debut Director): ANNIE GRIFFIN, FESTIVAL

Best Technical Achievement: JON HARRIS (editing), THE DESCENT

Best Achievement In Production: GYPO!

Best Foreign Film: DOWNFALL

Best Documentary: LIBERACE OF BAGHDAD

The Raindance Award: EVIL ALIENS

Richard Harris Award: TILDA SWINTON

Variety UK Personality Of The Year Award: KEIRA KNIGHTLEY.