Stephen Daldry's Billy Elliot racked up another clutch of awards at Wednesday's British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs), picking up four prizes including best British independent film.

Daldry picked up the best director award and collected prizes on behalf of writer Lee Hall, who won best screenplay, and the film's star, Jamie Bell, who won best newcomer. "Sorry, Stephen Daldry can't be here tonight," he quipped when picking up his own prize.

The only upset as far as the Billy Elliot contingent were concerned was Gillian Anderson winning best actress for her performance in The House Of Mirth. Best actor went to Daniel Craig for Some Voices.

Paul Webster, head of the UK's FilmFour, picked up the award for best foreign English-language film, which went to The Straight Story. Webster dedicated the prize to the film's late star, Richard Farnsworth.

Kadosh won best foreign independent film in a foreign language, while May Miles Thomas' One Life Stand picked up the best achievement in production prize.

Kevin Macdonald took the Douglas Hickox Award for a debut British director for his Academy Award-winning documentary One Day In September. The documentary's editor, Justine Wright, took the best newcomer (off-screen) award.

Colin Young, National Film and Television School founder, picked up this year's lifetime achievement award. Revolution Films' Andrew Eaton received the producer of the year award, while director Mike Figgis also attended to pick up a special jury prize.