"A Prophet," a new French prison drama from director Jacques Audiard, was the recipient of the Star of London award, the first best film award handed out by the London Film Festival.

Actress Angelica Huston presented the award to the film's lead actor, Tahar Rahim. Jury chair Huston said the film was a "masterpiece" and that it had "the ambition, purity of vision and clarity of purpose to make it an instant classic".

The film, which tells the story of a young Arab man sent to a French prison where he becomes part of the local mafia, also received the Grand Prize at this year's Cannes Film Festival. It is currently scheduled for a limited release in the U.S. in February of 2010.

A special mention was also given to the John Hillcoat-directed "The Road," while screenwriter Jack Thorne received the best British newcomer award for his drama "The Scouting Book for Boys."