Toronto 2024: “The Life of Chuck” Triumphs at TIFF People’s Choice Awards
The 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) concluded with the much-anticipated People’s Choice Awards, an audience-voted recognition that has historically been a bellwether for the Oscars. This year, Mike Flanagan’s The Life of Chuck earned the top prize, marking another high point in the director’s career. Flanagan is known for his work in the horror genre, and his win adds to the tradition of influential films, such as Chariots of Fire and Slumdog Millionaire, which have also taken home this award. Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez and Sean Baker’s Anora finished as first and second runners-up, respectively.
The People’s Choice Documentary Award went to The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal, directed by Mike Downie, which chronicles the Canadian band’s legacy. First and second runners-up were Will & Harper by Josh Greenbaum and Your Tomorrow, directed by Ali Weinstein. The audience’s love for intimate, character-driven documentaries continues to be reflected in the strong reception for these films.
In the Midnight Madness category, where boundary-pushing and genre films are showcased, The Substance by Coralie Fargeat claimed the top honor. John Hsu’s Dead Talents Society and Andrew DeYoung’s Friendship took the first and second runner-up positions.
The prestigious Platform Award, which spotlights films with strong directorial visions, went to Carlos Marqués-Marcet for They Will Be Dust, a film praised by the jury for its mix of emotional depth, humor, and formal daring. In their statement, the Platform jury highlighted the compelling performances by Alfredo Castro and Ángela Molina. An honorable mention was awarded to Sylvia Chang for her role in Daughter's Daughter, directed by Huang Xi.
Among the Canadian awards, Sophie Deraspe’s Shepherds won Best Canadian Feature Film, celebrated for its exceptional world-building and intense performances. The Best Canadian Discovery Award, given to emerging filmmakers, went to Universal Language, directed by Matthew Rankin, with an honorable mention for You Are Not Alone, directed by Marie-Hélène Viens and Philippe Lupien.
The Short Cuts program recognized Deck 5B by Malin Ingrid Johansson as Best International Short Film, with Quota receiving a special honorable mention. The Best Canadian Short Film award was presented to Bec Pecaut for Are You Scared To Be Yourself Because You Think That You Might Fail?, noted for its exploration of familial bonds and authenticity.
Rounding out the festival was the FIPRESCI Prize, awarded to K’naan Warsame’s Mother Mother for its innovative approach to a revenge narrative set against a backdrop of violence in Somalia. The film’s non-sensationalist storytelling and powerful performances were praised by the international jury.
Awarded Films:
People’s Choice Award:
- The Life of Chuck / Mike Flanagan
People’s Choice Award - First Runner-up:
- Emilia Pérez / Jacques Audiard
People’s Choice Award - Second Runner-up:
- Anora / Sean Baker
People’s Choice Documentary Award:
- The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal / Mike Downie
People’s Choice Documentary Award - First Runner-up:
- Will & Harper / Josh Greenbaum
People’s Choice Documentary Award - Second Runner-up:
- Your Tomorrow / Ali Weinstein
People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award:
- The Substance / Coralie Fargeat
People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award - First Runner-up:
- Dead Talents Society / John Hsu
People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award - Second Runner-up:
- Friendship / Andrew DeYoung
Platform Award:
- They Will Be Dust / Carlos Marqués-Marcet
Platform Award - Special Honorable Mention:
- Sylvia Chang for Daughter's Daughter / Huang Xi
Best Canadian Feature Film Award:
- Shepherds / Sophie Deraspe
Best Canadian Discovery Award:
- Universal Language / Matthew Rankin
Best Canadian Discovery Award - Special Honorable Mention:
- You Are Not Alone / Marie-Hélène Viens, Philippe Lupien
Best International Short Film Award:
- Deck 5B / Malin Ingrid Johansson
Best International Short Film - Special Honorable Mention:
- Quota / Job Roggeveen, Joris Oprins, Marieke Blaauw
Best Canadian Short Film Award:
- Are You Scared To Be Yourself Because You Think That You Might Fail? / Bec Pecaut
FIPRESCI Prize:
- Mother Mother / K’naan Warsame