Lights, Camera, Anticipation: The TIFF Audience Award Race Heats Up

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has long been a bellwether for the Oscars race, and this year is no exception. With a star-studded lineup and a diverse array of films, the festival has set the stage for a thrilling awards season. As the curtain falls on the 10-day event, the question on everyone's mind is: which film will emerge victorious and claim the coveted TIFF Audience Award?

Captivating Contenders and Potential Frontrunners

DreamWorks Animation's Triumphant Return

Chris Sanders' animated sci-fi adventure, "The Wild Robot," is already being hailed as one of the best films in DreamWorks Animation's 30-year history. Featuring a stellar voice cast that includes Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Stephanie Hsu, Mark Hamill, Catherine O'Hara, and Bill Nighy, the film is poised to reignite discussions about the SAG Awards eligibility for animated films competing in the best cast ensemble category. Historically, only three animated films have been nominated for best picture, all of them Disney titles. However, "The Wild Robot" could shift that dynamic, especially in the adapted screenplay and technical categories like score and original song. Composer Kris Bowers, fresh off an Oscar win for the live-action short "The Last Repair Shop" (2023), delivers his best work, and the film's standout original song, "Kiss the Sky," may also capture the attention of the Music Branch.

A Powerful Latina Duo

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, Torres 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 a husband after being taken by a corrupt government positions the film as a contender in the international feature race. At the same time, Torres seeks to break into the competitive best actress category. Notably, Montenegro appears in the film as an older version of her daughter's character, and without speaking a word, the 94-year-old delivers a heart-wrenching performance using only her expressive eyes. The prospect of Montenegro making history as the first Latina to receive a second Oscar nomination is a tantalizing possibility.

A Silent Cinematic Masterpiece

Last year, Pablo Berger's dialogue-free "Robot Dreams" made a surprise appearance at the Oscars, and this year, another silent animated feature is gaining traction: Gints Zilbalodis' "Flow." The whimsical and heartwarming film, about a cat surviving a post-apocalyptic flood, is Latvia's official submission for best international feature, which could place it in the range of landing into both categories. Janus Films and Sideshow acquired it after its success at the Annecy Film Festival, and it's quickly picking up momentum. The film's unique approach to storytelling, without relying on dialogue, could resonate with audiences and capture the attention of the Academy.

A Psychological Thriller Miniseries with Cinematic Ambitions

While "Disclaimer" isn't a film, it's generated plenty of buzz at TIFF after debuting at Venice and Telluride. Alfonso Cuarón's psychological thriller miniseries starring Cate Blanchett, about a journalist who discovers she's a character in someone else's novel, premieres on Apple TV+ on Oct. 11. Early reactions suggest it's already staking a claim for next year's Emmys, showcasing Cuarón's cinematic vision and Blanchett's captivating performance.

A Breakout Indie Gem

Andrea Arnold's "Bird" stars Oscar nominee Barry Keoghan ("The Banshees of Inisherin") 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. Mubi, the distributor, hopes the movie picks up steam as it progresses through the festival circuit. With acclaimed DP Robbie Ryan behind the camera, best cinematography could be a spot where the film can find some ground.

A Showstopping Performance by a Hollywood Icon

Fresh off her Emmy win for FX's "The Bear," Academy Award winner Jamie Lee Curtis ("Everything Everywhere All at Once") retakes the spotlight for her remarkable turn 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," which mimics the dramatic equivalent of Matthew McConaughey in "Magic Mike." The film, which also stars Pamela Anderson, Dave Bautista, and Billie Lourd, has yet to find a distributor but is expected to land one, with a 2025 release date.

A Romantic Drama with Star Power

Directed by John Crowley ("Brooklyn"), "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 like "The Notebook" and "A Walk to Remember" 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, which looks all but assured, considering the reaction from the crowd to their sex scenes.

The TIFF Audience Award Contenders

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" (2018) and "Nomadland" (2020) went on to win best picture. Only one TIFF winner has failed to receive a nomination for best picture, "Where Do We Go Now?" (2011), and one that didn't win at least one Oscar statuette, "The Fabelmans" (2022).This year's most buzzed-about contenders for the TIFF Audience Award include Palme d'Or winner "Anora" (Neon), Netflix's musical sensation "Emilia Pérez," and the body horror thriller "The Substance" (Mubi). Jason Reitman's crowd-pleasing "Saturday Night" also generated buzz for its mainstream appeal, but it premiered on Tuesday at the festival, which doesn't allow attendees much time to see it. The same goes for Malcolm Washington's directorial debut, "The Piano Lesson," with John David Washington and Danielle Deadwyler.While there are vocal Almodovar admirers, the level of passion for his latest offering, "The Room Next Door," with Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, is unclear. Additionally, Brady Corbet's "The Brutalist," which was acquired by A24, may be at a disadvantage with its massive 215-minute runtime and few public screenings.Not many world premieres are viable for the coveted prize, but "The Wild Robot" from DreamWorks Animation and Rachel Morrison's "The Fire Inside" (Amazon MGM) both received glowing reviews and have broad audience appeal. Also in the mix is "Unstoppable," directed by Oscar-winning editor William Goldenberg ("Argo"), which has been picking up solid praise.The TIFF Audience Award could shake up the Oscar race, and the anticipation is palpable as the festival comes to a close. The winner will be announced on Sunday, September 15, and the industry will be watching closely to see which film emerges as the early frontrunner in the awards season.