Lynne Ramsay’s superb WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN has been named Best Film at the 2011 BFI London Film Festival. The award was announced at a glittering ceremony in the capital this evening.
On behalf of the jury John Madden (Chair) said: “This year’s shortlist for Best Film comprises work that is outstanding in terms of its originality and its stylistic reach. It is an international group, one united by a common sense of unflinching human enquiry and we were struck by the sheer panache displayed by these great storytellers. In the end, we were simply bowled over by one film, a sublime, uncompromising tale of the torment that can stand in the place of love. We Need to Talk About Kevin is made with the kind of singular vision that links great directors across all the traditions of cinema.”
In addition, JUNKHEARTS actress Candese Reid was presented with the Nest Newcomer award while Pablo Giorgelli, director of LAS ACACIAS, was given the Sutherland gong, which is presented to the director of the most original and imaginative feature debut in the Festival.
The Grierson Award for Best Documentary went to INTO THE ABYSS: A Tale of Death, A Tale of Life directed by Werner Herzog.
The BFI Fellowship went to Ralph Fiennes and David Cronenberg, who were both present this evening.
Greg Dyke, Chair, BFI said: “The BFI London Film Festival Awards pay tribute to outstanding film talent, so we are delighted and honoured that both Ralph Fiennes, one of the world’s finest and most respected actors and David Cronenberg, one of the most original and ground-breaking film directors of contemporary cinema, have both accepted BFI Fellowships – the highest accolade the BFI can bestow. I also want to congratulate all the filmmakers and industry professionals here tonight, not only on their nominations and awards, but also for their vision, skill, passion and creativity.”
