Awards Buzz and Midnight Madness from TIFF 2013
The Toronto International Film Festival has always been the people's film festival, and although the absence of the late Roger Ebert dulled proceedings, TIFF 2013 still provided a plethora of films from across the globe, some generating considerable awards buzz, such as 12 Years A Slave, which took the People's Choice Award, while Stephen Frears' Philomena and Denis Villeneuve's Prisoners took home runner up awards.
People's Choice Award:
12 Years A Slave, d. Steve McQueen (USA/UK)
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/4/0/17409281/306365373.jpg)
Never one to shy away from controversial and raw topics, Steve McQueen (not to be confused with the 1960's American star), has already cemented himself as one of the most daring and confident filmmakers working today.
Following on from the compelling Shame in 2011, McQueen has made his first real "big" film, an adaptation of Solomon Northup's biography, centred on his time as a slave, despite being a free man. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Northup, alongside McQueen favourite Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, and a brief cameo by Brad Pitt. Already courted for Oscar nominations, 12 Years A Slave has already wowed critics for its unflinching portrayal of slavery and stellar performances, earning the People's Choice Award at TIFF.
Following on from the compelling Shame in 2011, McQueen has made his first real "big" film, an adaptation of Solomon Northup's biography, centred on his time as a slave, despite being a free man. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Northup, alongside McQueen favourite Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, and a brief cameo by Brad Pitt. Already courted for Oscar nominations, 12 Years A Slave has already wowed critics for its unflinching portrayal of slavery and stellar performances, earning the People's Choice Award at TIFF.
People's Choice Award First Runner Up:
Philomena, d. Stephen Frears (UK)
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/4/0/17409281/143037416.jpg)
Legendary English director Stephen Frears (Prick Up Your Ears, The Queen) makes a triumphant return to form with Philomena, also based on a true story, and winner of the First Runner Up prize at TIFF.
Judi Dench and Steve Coogan star (Coogan also co-wrote the script) in the true story of a woman whose child was taken by the Catholic Church and her search for the now adult child with the help of Martin Sixsmith (Coogan). Due for release in November, the film also won the Best Screenplay Award at TIFF, and could earn further plaudits at the Oscars, and the BAFTAs.
Judi Dench and Steve Coogan star (Coogan also co-wrote the script) in the true story of a woman whose child was taken by the Catholic Church and her search for the now adult child with the help of Martin Sixsmith (Coogan). Due for release in November, the film also won the Best Screenplay Award at TIFF, and could earn further plaudits at the Oscars, and the BAFTAs.
People's Choice Award Second Runner Up:
Prisoners, d. Denis Villeneuve (USA)
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/4/0/17409281/475917362.jpg)
Already attracting massive awards buzz, Denis Villeneuve's (Incendies) thriller is bound to be a popular one with the audiences and the critics alike.