Metro Manila, the crime drama written and directed by Sean Ellis emerged as the winner in the latest British Independent Film Awards. The film is already selected as Britain’s official entry for the 86th Academy Awards.

Now, the expectations are going high after this achievement as this is U.K.’s second most prestigious and well-attended awards after the BAFTA Film Awards.

The film bagged awards which includes ‘Best British Independent Film’ and ‘Best Director’. In its journey to grab the best film award, Metro Manila tackled films like Philomena, The Selfish Giant, Le Week-end and Starred up. Sean Ellis won the best director award after facing an inch by inch competition from Jon S Baird and Clio Barnard.

In the individual section, James McAvoy won the best actor award for his breath taking performance in ‘Filth’. Lindsay Duncan won the best actress award for her act in Le Weekend.