TheSutherland Trophy was created in 1958 by theBritish Film Institute (BFI) as an annual award for "the maker of the most original and imaginative [first or second] feature film introduced at theNational Film Theatre during the year".[1][2] The award was named after a patron of the BFI,George Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, 5th Duke of Sutherland.[2]
In 1997, the criteria changed to honour the maker of the most original and imaginative first feature screened during theLondon Film Festival.[2]
The award is a sculpture in silver by Gerald Benney. It is presented on the closing night of the Festival.