Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

French prison thriller A Prophet named Best Film at London Film Festival

Becky Gamester,Vicky Shaw,Press Association
Thursday 29 October 2009 13:19 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

French prison thriller A Prophet was hailed a "masterpiece" as it scooped the London Film Festival's inaugural best film prize.

Jacques Audiard's critically-acclaimed saga about a young man's rise through the criminal ranks was first unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where it took a prize for second place.

Anjelica Huston, one of the members of the London festival jury, called it "a perfect film ... an instant classic and a masterpiece".

The event, which is more than half a century old, introduced the award, similar to those handed out at other high-profile festivals such as those in Cannes and Venice, this year.

Speaking on the red carpet as she arrived at last night's ceremony, Huston joked that she was not necessarily the most sensible member of the jury.

Responding to whether she bossed the fellow members around, she laughed: "No not at all. They were incredibly compliant and sweet - no force needed with this group. They're a lot better than I am - much more grown up than I am!"

She added that, in her experience, water was the best ingredient to getting through an awards ceremony.

"A little champagne on the surface but water before you go out," she said. "It helps the next day!"

At the ceremony, the jury also gave a special mention to The Road, John Hillcoat's adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's post-apocalyptic novel.

Jack Thorne, screenwriter of The Scouting Book For Boys, won the award for best British newcomer, which was presented by Mamma Mia! star Dominic Cooper.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

Cooper admitted that he was fortunate to break into the film industry relatively easily in comparison with most new stars.

"I made the transition through theatre really, so I was very lucky. But I imagine it's quite hard, it's difficult," he said.

Veteran British actor John Hurt and Malian director Souleymane Cisse received lifetime achievement awards known as the British Film Institute Fellowship.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in