Troubled teens were the big winners of the 55th annual BFI London Film Festival, which announced its winners this evening. “We Need to Talk About Kevin”, Lynne Ramsay’s searing vision following the mother of a homicidal teenager, won Best Film. Tilda Swinton, an Oscar hopeful, plays the mother while rising star Ezra Miller gives an unforgettable performance as the teenage killer.

Said Jury chairman John Madden: “This year’s shortlist for best film comprises work that is outstanding in terms of its originality and its stylistic reach. It is an international group, one united by a common sense of unflinching human enquiry and we werestruck by the sheer panache displayed by these great storytellers. In the end, 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.”

The Best British Newcomer Award, which saw nominees that also included newcomer Aimee Kelly for her role as a gang member in “Sket”, and co-stars Chris New and Tom Cullen of “Weekend”, went to Candese Reid of “Junkhearts.” The 19 year old makes her screen debut in the indie psychological thriller alongside Eddie Marsen, Tom Sturridge, Romola Garai and “Attack the Block” breakout star John Boyega. She plays Lynette, girlfriend to Sturridge’s drug dealer. When he needs a new base for his operations, she targets Frank (Marsen). The bond that forms between them becomes a catalyst for Lynette to attempt to break away from her destructive and dangerous lifestyle. Best British Newcomer jury chairman Andy Harries said, “Candese is a fresh, brilliant and exciting new talent. Every moment she was onscreen was compelling.”

First time director Pablo Giorgelli took home the Sutherland Award – for the most original and imaginative feature debut – for “Las Acacias” while “Into the Abyss”, from celebrated director Werner Herzog, won the Grierson Award for Best Documentary.