'Slumdog' wins big at British indie awards

LONDON, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- "Slumdog Millionaire," a film set in India and directed by Briton Danny Boyle, won three prizes at the British Independent Film Awards.

The movie was named best independent film, Boyle best director and star Dev Patel most promising newcomer at the 11th annual awards ceremony at the Old Billingsgate Market in London, The Hollywood Reporter said.

Northern Irish actor James Nesbitt, who starred in Boyle's 2005 film "Millions," was the event's host.

Michael Fassbender won the best actor award for his work in "Hunger," while Vera Farmiga earned the best actress honor for her performance in "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas."

"Happy-Go-Lucky" cast members Eddie Marsan and Alexis Zegerman picked up prizes for best supporting actor and actress, respectively.

Playwright Martin McDonagh won the best screenplay gong for his film "In Bruges," the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.