The Toronto International Film Festival unveiled September 20 this year’s award winners. Over the course of 11 days, TIFF presented 294 films from 72 countries. The Festival hosted 2,000 accredited media, just short of 7000 Market delegates and 279 directors from around the world.
The People’s Choice Documentary Award was given to Darlene Love: I Know Where I’ve Been by Barry Avrich. The film explores the soul singer and actress’s remarkable journey – from child prodigy to cultural icon – within the context of the civil rights era and the racial barriers she faced throughout her career.
The First Runner-up nod went to Black Sunflowers by James Marcus Haney. The film is a powerful portrait of Ukrainian youth navigating life between the frontlines and the home front.
The Second Runner-up was named as The Ultra Runner by Mila Aung-Thwin. The film follows Tiberiu Uşeriu, a man who confronts his past through extreme endurance challenges.
The People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award was presented to Matthew Rankin for Ladies and Gentlemen, Brian Mulroney. The “kaleidoscopic culture jam” from the visionary filmmaker details the rise of Canada’s 18th prime minister through a satirical collage of archival footage, television nostalgia, and national mythmaking.
In the Best Canadian Discovery Award category, an Honourable Mention was given to The Black Box is Orange by Yuula Benivolski. Jury statement: “A childhood impacted by settler ideology is unpacked through painful memories and the striking use of archival images. [The Honourable Mention is given] or its sensitive, brave and challenging formal dexterity, showcasing a nuanced depiction of the systematic erasure of Palestinian histories while delicately threading the needle between personal and political.”
In the Best Canadian Feature Film Award category, an Honourable Mention was given to Man in Motion: The Rick Hansen Story by Adrian Buitenhuis. Jury statement: “The Rick Hansen Story is a moving, beautifully crafted film that offers a powerful new perspective on Rick Hansen’s extraordinary journey, while reminding us of the people who are too often left behind.”
The 51st Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, ran September 10 to 20. The 52nd edition of the Festival will take place September 9–19, 2027.
