Imperium wins top prize at BFI London Film Festival

Sergei Loznitsa’s Imperium won the Best Film award in the Official Competition at the 70th BFI London Film Festival, among the 2026 competition prizes announced on Sunday, October 18, as the festival drew to a close. The film uses footage shot by Italian cameramen in the early 1970s to present life in the Soviet Union. The jury, led by filmmaker Sam Pollard, praised its archival perspective and described it as emotionally engaging and visually arresting. The award recognizes the film’s place in the festival’s Official Competition. Sompot Chidgasornpongse’s 9 Temples to Heaven received the Sutherland Award for best first feature. The jury, led by actor Amir ElMasry, called it an accomplished debut, highlighting its reflection on faith, family and the passage between life and death. Bertil Nilsson’s Masc received a special mention in the same competition. Asmahan Bkerat’s Concrete Land won the Grierson Award for documentary. The film follows a multigenerational family in Jordan facing displacement and hostility. The documentary jury praised the family’s resilience and dignity, according to its statement. Theo Rollason’s Queer Edward II received a special mention in the...