The 8th British Independent Film Awards, held on 30 November 2005 and hosted by James Nesbitt,^[1] honoured the best British independent films of 2005.^[2][3][4] For the third year in succession, the award ceremony was held at the Hammersmith Palais, London.^[5]

As per previous years, only films intended for theatrical release, and those which had a public screening to a paying audience either on general release in the UK or at a British film festival between 1 October 2004 and 30 November 2005 were eligible for consideration. In addition, they needed either to have been produced / majority co-produced by a British company, or in receipt of at least 51% of their budget from a British source or qualified as a British Film under DCMS guidelines. Lastly, they could not be solely funded by a single studio.^[6][7]

Shortlists were announced on 25 October 2005.^[8][9][10] Mrs Henderson Presents and The Libertine led with eight nominations apiece.^[7] Winners in fourteen categories were selected from the shortlists and a further three were awarded entirely at the jury's discretion, whose make up included Michael Kuhn (chair), Mick Audsley, Alan Cumming, Amanda Donohoe, Mikael Hafstrom, Bryce Dallas Howard, Hugh Hudson, Tom Hunsinger, Beeban Kidron, Sue Latimer (Agent), Uberto Pasolini, Anne Reid and Ashley Walters.^[11][12]

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