Belfast, directed by Kenneth Branagh won the People’s Choice Award, the top prize at the 46th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival. The TIFF 2021 People’s Choice Documentary Award went to The Rescue, directed by E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin; and the TIFF 2021 People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award winner is Titane, directed by Julia Ducournau.
The Platform Prize Jury lead by Riz Ahmed 2021 awarded the Platform Prize to Yuni, directed by Kamila Andini, saying in a statement, “The jury was moved by a film that brings a fresh, intimate perspective to a coming-of-age story, marked by a subtle structure, delicate framing, and lush cinematography. For drawing us into a unique inner world too rarely seen on screen, the 2021 Platform Prize goes to Yuni, directed by Kamila Andini.” An honorable mention from the Platform Prize Jury goes to Mlungu Wam (Good Madam), dir. Jenna Cato Bass.
“2021 brought an exceptional selection of films that excited Festival audiences around the world,” said Joana Vicente and Cameron Bailey, TIFF Co-Heads. “Our lineup showcased beloved auteurs alongside fresh voices in filmmaking, including numerous women powerhouses. TIFF welcomed guest press, industry, international stars, and directors back to the city and into cinemas. The sweeping range in cinematic storytelling from around the world is a testament to the uniqueness of the films that are being made. We’re so grateful and proud of this year’s Festival.”
PLATFORM PRIZE
The 2021 Platform Prize winner is Yuni, directed by Kamila Andini.”
An honorable mention from the Platform Prize Jury goes to Mlungu Wam (Good Madam), dir. Jenna Cato Bass.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
The TIFF 2021 People’s Choice Award winner is: Belfast, dir. Kenneth Branagh. The first runner-up is Scarborough, dirs. Shasha Nakhai and Rich Williamson.
The second runner-up is The Power of the Dog, dir. Jane Campion.
The TIFF 2021 People’s Choice Documentary Award winner is The Rescue, dirs. E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin. The first runner-up is Dionne Warwick: Don’t Make Me Over, dirs. Dave Wooley and David Heilbroner.
The second runner-up is Flee, dir. Jonas Poher Rasmussen.
The TIFF 2021 People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award winner is Titane, dir. Julia Ducournau. The first runner-up is You Are Not My Mother, dir. Kate Dolan.
The second runner-up is DASHCAM, dir. Rob Savage.
SHAWN MENDES FOUNDATION CHANGEMAKER AWARD
The 2021 Changemaker Award is presented to Scarborough, dirs. Shasha Nakhai and Rich Williamson. Shasha Nakhai developed Scarborough at TIFF Industry in 2019 as an inaugural TIFF Talent Accelerator filmmaker.
TIFF’s Next Wave Committee provided this statement: “This film is etched on my heart. Scarborough is an utterly captivating and earth-shattering story of three intertwined families who are no strangers to hardship. Through the charms of misfits and unlikely heroes, directors Shasha Nakhai and Rich Williamson pose big social questions while framing them in a real and affirming story of resilience, community, and love. Written and directed with power and grace, this film truly feels like home.”
Directors Shasha Nakhai and Rich Williamson offered this statement: “Thank you to TIFF for giving this film a platform. It has been a really long and challenging road to get here, and we are so grateful to the TIFF Next Wave Committee and the Shawn Mendes Foundation for this award. We’re happy folks are coming away from the film feeling moved, seen, and affirmed, with a renewed commitment to community — and what we hope is a renewed commitment to resisting the forces that seek to erase, fracture, and monetize community. We are excited to bring this film to wider audiences after the Festival, and especially looking forward to using it as a tool to support the front-line work already being done on the myriad issues that it tackles.”
AMPLIFY VOICES AWARDS PRESENTED BY CANADA GOOSE
Amplify Voices Award for Best Canadian Feature Film: Ste. Anne, dir. Rhayne Vermette
Special Mention: Scarborough, dirs. Shasha Nakhai, Rich Williamson
Amplify Voices Award: The Gravedigger’s Wife, dir. Khadar Ayderus Ahmed
Amplify Voices Award: A Night of Knowing Nothing, dir. Payal Kapadia
IMDbPro SHORT CUTS AWARDS
IMDbPro Short Cuts Award for Best Film: Displaced, dir. Samir Karahoda
Honorable Mention: Trumpets in the Sky, dir. Rakan Mayasi
IMDbPro Short Cuts Award for Best Canadian Film: Angakusajaujuq – The Shaman’s Apprentice, dir. Zacharias Kunuk
Honorable Mention: Nuisance Bear, dirs. Jack Weisman, Gabriela Osio Vanden
IMDbPro Short Cuts Share Her Journey Award: ASTEL, dir. Ramata-Toulaye Sy
Honorable mention: Love, Dad, dir. Diana Cam Van Nguyen