Emma Thompson and Paul Mescal among Bifa nominees in gender neutral categories

Emma Thompson arriving for the UK premiere Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (Ian West/PA)

Emma Thompson, Florence Pugh and Paul Mescal are among the stars nominated for the British Independent Film Awards (Bifas) in its first year with gender neutral acting categories.

As part of the organisation’s 25th anniversary, the body has made the move to award five acting accolades with no mention of “actor” or “actress” as well as adding a selection of new performance awards.