Constant Gardener pick of the crop

Critically acclaimed film The Constant Gardener scooped three prestigious awards at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) last night.

The film, directed by Fernando Meirelles, who also made City Of God, and adapted from the John Le Carre novel, was named Best British Independent Film at the ceremony at London's Hammersmith Palais.

The movie's leading man and lady, Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz were also awarded Best Actress and Best Actor.

Bend It Like Beckham star Keira Knightley took the Variety UK personality award for her role as Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice and her part in Domino.

Knightley, who is currently filming two sequels to Pirates Of The Caribbean - The Curse Of The Black Pearl, rearranged her work schedule so that she could attend the ceremony.

The Richard Harris award, given annually to recognise outstanding achievement, went to Tilda Swinton for Jim Jarmusch's Broken Flowers. Tilda will shortly grace our screens again as the White Witch in the upcoming epic The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe

The eighth BIFA awards were hosted by Cold Feet star James Nesbitt, who was helped by other celebs including Vanessa Redgrave and Amanda Donohoe.

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