The Oscars race heats up: TIFF’s impact on the awards season
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has always been a significant player in shaping the awards season, and this year is no exception. With a lineup featuring A-listers like Selena Gomez and Angelina Jolie, alongside breakout stars such as Mikey Madison and Gabriel LaBelle, the 49th annual TIFF concluded after showcasing 278 films over ten days. As the festival wraps up, the focus shifts to which film will win the coveted TIFF Audience Award and gain a crucial boost in the early days of the Oscars race.
A diverse lineup with varied potential
While some films at TIFF scream awards potential, others are destined for commercial success, and some might just be fleeting blips in the massive lineup. Here are some of the standout films and potential awards contenders from this year’s festival.
DreamWorks Animation’s “The Wild Robot”
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, DreamWorks Animation has launched a best picture campaign with “The Wild Robot”. Directed by Chris Sanders, this animated sci-fi adventure features a stellar voice cast, including Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Stephanie Hsu, Mark Hamill, Catherine O’Hara, and Bill Nighy. The film is already being hailed as one of the best in DreamWorks’ history. Historically, only three animated films have been nominated for best picture, all Disney titles. However, “The Wild Robot” could shift that dynamic, especially in categories like adapted screenplay, score, and original song. Composer Kris Bowers, fresh off an Oscar win, delivers his best work yet, and the standout original song, “Kiss the Sky,” may capture the attention of the Music Branch.
Fernanda Torres in “I’m Still Here”
Brazilian legend Fernanda Montenegro was the first Latina nominated for best actress for “Central Station” (1998). Now, her daughter, Fernanda Torres, has a shot at making history herself with her powerful performance in Walter Salles’ political drama, “I’m Still Here”. If nominated, she would be the first second-generation Latina acting nominee in Oscars history. Distributed by Sony Pictures Classics, Torres’ dedicated turn of a woman relentlessly searching for her husband after being taken by a corrupt government, positions the film as a contender in the international feature race. Montenegro also appears in the film, delivering a heart-wrenching performance without speaking a word.
Latvia’s ”Flow”
Following the surprise appearance of Pablo Berger’s dialogue-free “Robot Dreams” at the Oscars last year, another silent animated feature is gaining traction: Gints Zilbalodis’ “Flow”. This whimsical and heartwarming film about a cat surviving a post-apocalyptic flood is Latvia’s official submission for best international feature. Janus Films and Sideshow acquired it after its success at the Annecy Film Festival, and it’s quickly picking up momentum.
Alfonso Cuarón’s “Disclaimer”
While not a film, Alfonso Cuarón’s psychological thriller miniseries “Disclaimer” has generated plenty of buzz at TIFF. Starring Cate Blanchett, the series follows a journalist who discovers she’s a character in someone else’s novel. Premiering on Apple TV+ on Oct. 11, early reactions suggest it’s already staking a claim for next year’s Emmys.
Andrea Arnold’s “Bird”
“Bird”, directed by Andrea Arnold, stars Oscar nominee Barry Keoghan as a father grappling with his responsibilities, alongside Franz Rogowski and newcomer Nykiya Adams. Though the film may be too niche for significant Oscar recognition, it’s a likely contender at the Indie Spirit Awards. With a famed DP like Robbie Ryan behind the camera, best cinematography could be a spot where the film finds some ground.
Jamie Lee Curtis in “The Last Showgirl”
Fresh off her Emmy win for FX’s “The Bear,” Academy Award winner Jamie Lee Curtis retakes the spotlight in Gia Coppola’s drama “The Last Showgirl”. Curtis plays Annette, a bold cocktail waitress, in a scene-stealing moment involving a dance to “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” The film, which also stars Pamela Anderson, Dave Bautista, and Billie Lourd, has yet to find a distributor but is expected to land one soon.
Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh in “We Live in Time”
Directed by John Crowley, “We Live in Time” is a tear-jerker starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh as star-crossed lovers, with one of them battling cancer. While romantic dramas rarely fare well at the Oscars, Garfield and Pugh’s magnetic chemistry and previous Oscar nominations could be the film’s best shot at recognition. A24 is betting on the duo’s star power to make this a box-office hit.
The race for the TIFF People’s Choice Award
Since the Oscars expanded the best picture field in 2009, TIFF Audience Award winners have become reliable indicators of Oscar success. Films like “Green Book” and “Nomadland” went on to win best picture. So, which film will take home the TIFF People’s Choice Award this year? The winner often comes down to three factors: the number of screenings, audience size, and the timing of showings.
Top contenders
The festival’s most buzzed-about contenders include Palme d’Or winner “Anora”, Netflix’s musical sensation “Emilia Pérez”, and the body horror thriller “The Substance”. Jason Reitman’s crowd-pleasing “Saturday Night” also generated buzz for its mainstream appeal. Other notable mentions include “The Wild Robot”, Rachel Morrison’s “The Fire Inside”, and “Unstoppable” directed by Oscar-winning editor William Goldenberg.
Predictions
Here are the top 10 rankings for which movies could take the title:
- Anora (Neon)
- Emilia Pérez (Netflix)
- Saturday Night (Sony Pictures)
- The Wild Robot (DreamWorks Animation)
- The Substance (Mubi)
- The Fire Inside (Amazon MGM)
- The Room Next Door (Sony Pictures Classics)
- The Brutalist (A24)
- I’m Still Here (Sony Pictures Classics)
- The Piano Lesson (Netflix)
The TIFF People’s Choice Award could significantly shake up the Oscar race, making it an exciting time for cinema enthusiasts.