We Need To Talk About Kevin has been named best film at London Film Festival.
Speaking about Lynne Ramsay's film - which tracks a mother and son's complex relationship and guilt - jury chairman John Madden said: "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."
Candese Reid was named best British newcomer for her portrayal of a runaway in Junkhearts. Chair of the Best British Newcomer jury, Andy Harries said: "Candese is a fresh, brilliant and exciting new talent. Every moment she was on screen was compelling."
Director Pablo Giorgerlli won the Sutherland award - presented to the most original and imaginative feature debut. The Argentinian's film Las Acacias is a slow-burning story of a truck driver and his passengers.
The jury said: "In a lively and thoughtful jury room debate, Las Acacias emerged as a worthy winner, largely because of the originality of its conception. Finely judged performances and a palpable sympathy for his characters makes this a hugely impressive debut for director Pablo Giorgelli."
At the other end of the experience scale, veteran director Werner Herzog, took home the Grierson Award for best documentary for his death row film Into The Abyss: A Tale Of Death, A Tale Of Life.
The rewards were rounded out by two BFI Fellowships - given to individuals whose body of work has made an outstanding contribution to film culture - this year awarded to Coriolanus director Ralph Fiennes and director David Cronenberg.
