Entertainment · October 18, 2026
Sergei Loznitsa’s ‘Imperium’ Wins Best Film at BFI London Film Festival
Sergei Loznitsa’s 'Imperium' won the Best Film award at the 70th BFI London Film Festival (LFF). The film utilizes archival footage shot by Italian cameramen in the early 1970s to explore the cultural and social diversity of the Soviet Union. Other major winners included Sompot Chidgasornpongse’s '9 Temples to Heaven' for the Sutherland Award (First Feature), Asmahan Bkerat’s 'Concrete Land' for the Grierson Award (Documentary), and Rahul Roye’s 'Aman' for the Short Film Award. The festival concluded on a Sunday with the UK premiere of Jesse Eisenberg’s 'The Debut.'
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Sergei Loznitsa’s ‘Imperium’ Wins Best Film at BFI London Film Festival
Read at Variety ↗ ‘Imperium,’ ‘Concrete Land’ and ‘9 Temples to Heaven’ Win BFI London Film Festival Awards
Read at The Hollywood Reporter ↗- DeadlineTrade
London Film Festival 2026 Award Winners — Full List
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Reported by multiple outlets
- Sergei Loznitsa’s 'Imperium' won Best Film in the LFF Official Competition.
- The 2026 festival marked the 70th edition of the BFI London Film Festival.
- The Official Competition jury was led by filmmaker Sam Pollard.
- 'Imperium' uses archival footage shot by Italian cameramen in the Soviet Union during the early 1970s.
- Winners were announced on the final Sunday of the festival.
Reported by only some outlets
- Jesse Eisenberg’s 'The Debut' had its UK premiere as the closing film.
- Asmahan Bkerat’s 'Concrete Land' won the Grierson Award (Documentary).
- Sompot Chidgasornpongse’s '9 Temples to Heaven' won the Sutherland Award (First Feature).
- Rahul Roye’s 'Aman' won the Short Film Award.
- Theo Rollason’s 'Queer Edward II' received a special mention in the documentary category.
- Bertil Nilsson’s 'MASC' received a special mention in the first feature category.
- Elizabeth Hobbs’ 'Daughters of the Late Colonel' received a special mention in the short film category.
- LFF Audience Award voting remains open until Wednesday.
Confirmed
- Sergei Loznitsa’s 'Imperium' won Best Film at the 70th BFI London Film Festival.
- The film uses Italian archival footage from the early 1970s USSR.
- Sam Pollard led the Official Competition jury.
Reported
- The family in 'Concrete Land' helped Asmahan Bkerat discover her love for documentary filmmaking. (The Hollywood Reporter)
- Theo Rollason discussed their archival look behind the scenes of 'Edward II' with the outlet. (The Hollywood Reporter)
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