The 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), which took place from September 4-14, 2025, has once again proven its significance in the film industry. This prestigious event showcased a rich tapestry of stories and cinematic styles from around the world, culminating in the announcement of its award winners, notably reported by independent journalist Mansour Jahani. One standout film, “Hamnet,” directed by the acclaimed Chloé Zhao, took home the coveted Audience Award, reinforcing its appeal to the festival’s viewing public.
At TIFF, the People’s Choice Awards—sponsored by Rogers—are a highlight, as they reflect the favorites of the audience. Eligible films span across feature films and Primetime series in TIFF’s Official Selection, underscoring the diverse offerings of the festival. The Audience Award for Best Picture is a pivotal recognition, and this year, “Hamnet” emerged victorious. This tale, centered on William Shakespeare’s family dynamics and the themes of loss and belonging, resonated deeply with viewers.
Following closely were two films that captured the attention of festival-goers: the first runner-up, “Frankenstein,” helmed by Guillermo del Toro, delivered a fresh interpretation of the classic horror tale, while the second runner-up, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” by Rian Johnson, brought a clever twist to the murder mystery genre. Both films reflect the continued innovation and creativity that TIFF celebrates.
On the international front, the International People’s Choice Award went to the South Korean film “No Other Choice,” directed by the masterful Park Chan-wook. This film’s exploration of moral dilemmas and ethical complexities captivated many, making it a fitting recipient. The first runner-up was “Sentimental Value,” a collaboration among numerous countries, including Norway, France, and the United Kingdom, while the second runner-up, “Homebound,” by Neeraj Ghaywan from India, showcased the depth of storytelling emanating from the Asian cinematic landscape.
Documentary narratives also took center stage at TIFF, with the People’s Choice Documentary Award awarded to “The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue,” directed by Barry Avrich. This powerful documentary captured the essence of heroism and resilience, captivating audiences with its gripping storyline. Following closely were “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert,” by Baz Luhrmann, and “You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution…” by Nick Davis, securing the first and second runner-up spots, respectively.
For those who revel in genre films, TIFF’s Midnight Madness section provided exhilarating options. The People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award was given to “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie,” directed by Matt Johnson. This film’s unique blend of humor and thrill excited late-night audiences, earning it this recognition. The first runner-up, “Obsession,” by Curry Barker, and the second runner-up, “The Furious,” by Kenji Tanigaki further contributed to a lively offering that kept night-time audiences on the edge of their seats.
Turning to short films, the Short Cuts Awards celebrated international talents. The award for Best International Short Film was claimed by “Talk Me” by Joecar Hanna, representing Spain and the USA. An honourable mention went to “Agapito” by Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero from the Philippines, highlighting the festival’s commitment to showcasing emerging and diverse voices.
In the Best Canadian Short Film category, “The Girl Who Cried Pearls” by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski was recognized, along with an honourable mention for “A Soft Touch” by Heather Young, ensuring that Canadian talent was proudly showcased on this international stage. Additionally, Agnès Patron’s “To the Woods” won the award for Best Animated Short Film, further emphasizing the festival’s dedication to innovative storytelling across various formats.
The FIPRESCI jury honors emerging filmmakers through the International Critics Prize, which this year went to Lucía Aleñar Iglesias for her debut feature film “Forastera,” further demonstrating TIFF’s role as a launchpad for new talent in the film industry.
In recognition of films from the Asian and Pacific regions, the NETPAC Award celebrated “In Search of The Sky” (Vimukt) by Jitank Singh Gurjar from India. Additionally, the Best Canadian Discovery Award was presented to “Blue Heron” by Sophy Romvari, with an honourable mention for “100 Sunset” by Kunsang Kyirong, supporting the burgeoning filmmaking scene in Canada.
The Best Canadian Feature Film Award was bestowed upon “Uiksaringitara” (Wrong Husband) by Zacharias Kunuk, reflecting the creativity and craftsmanship within Canadian cinema. Moreover, the Platform Award, honoring bold directorial vision, was granted to “To The Victory!” directed by Valentyn Vasyanovych, further illustrating the versatility and depth of storytelling represented at this year’s festival.