The 68th BFI London Film Festival (LFF) has concluded with an announcement of its competition winners, highlighting standout films across various categories. It was a memorable night, especially because it was wrapped up by Piece by Piece—an animated LEGO biopic about Pharrell Williams, directed by Morgan Neville. 

The Best Film award was given to the claymation feature, Memoir of a Snail by Adam Elliot. The jury applauded the film for its emotional depth and portrayal of themes such as bullying, loneliness, and grief. The way the animation team conveyed these heavy themes was both moving and innovative.

Set in 1970s Australia, Memoir of a Snail follows Grace Pudel (played by Sarah Snook), a shy girl born with a cleft palate, who grows up alongside her wild brother Gilbert (Kodi Smit-McPhee). As Grace grows up, she becomes a lonely hoarder of ornamental snails, with her only companion being an elderly woman named Pinky (Jacki Weaver). The film’s storyline promises an emotional journey for audiences.

For the Documentary category, Mother Vera, directed by Cécile Embleton and Alys Tomlinson, won the LFF Grierson Award. The documentary follows a young Orthodox nun as she grapples with her past while facing her uncertain future.

A special mention in the documentary competition was given to Eloise King’s The Shadow Scholar, which unveils the shadowy side of academic essay writing, particularly the role of Kenyan writers who create content for students all over the world.

Laura Carreira’s On Falling, a story of a young Portuguese warehouse worker in Scotland, won the Sutherland Award for Best First Feature. Meanwhile, Olivia & The Clouds by Tomás Pichardo Espaillat, which blends memory and reality using various animation styles, earned a special mention in the same category. 

The Best Short Film award went to Vibrations From Gaza, a documentary by Rehab Nazzal that tells the story of Deaf Palestinian children in Gaza. Lisa Ott’s stop-motion animation Dragfox, about a child embracing their identity, received a special mention in the short film category.

Despite the grand atmosphere, the festival faced some obstacles. Organizers had to pull out Undercover: Exposing the Far Right, a documentary by Havana Marking, from the lineup due to safety concerns.

Overall, 250 films have been screened and this included world premiers as well as critically acclaimed titles. BFI London Film Festival has continued to highlight the diversity and innovation of modern cinema. The Audience Awards will be announced later this October, giving viewers a chance to vote for their favorite films.