The Sutherland Trophy was created in 1958 by the British Film Institute (BFI) as an annual award for "the maker of the most original and imaginative [first or second] feature film introduced at the National 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 the London Film Festival.
[2] The award is a sculpture in silver by Gerald Benney.
It is presented on the closing night of the Festival.