Did Blank Just Secure the People's Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival?

The People's Choice Award at the 2025 Toronto Film Festival has been awarded to "Hamnet," with "Frankenstein" as the first runner-up and "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" taking the second runner-up spot. This award, voted on by audience members since 1978, often serves as a reliable predictor for the Best Picture Oscar.

Last updated: 22 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from the 2025 People's Choice Awards

The winner of the People's Choice Award is "Hamnet."
First runner-up is "Frankenstein," while "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" is second runner-up.
The People's Choice Award has historically aligned with future Best Picture Oscar winners.
Last year's winner, "The Life Of Chuck," gained Oscar eligibility after being picked up by Neon.
In 2024, both runner-up films combined for 19 Oscar nominations, showcasing the award's predictive power.

The Significance of the People's Choice Award

The People's Choice Award holds a unique place within the film industry. As a reflection of audience preferences, it showcases films that resonate with viewers, often predicting future successes at major award ceremonies like the Oscars. Over the years, films that have clinched this accolade frequently find themselves nominated for or winning the coveted Best Picture Oscar.

A Historical Perspective

Since its inception in 1978, the People's Choice Award has gained a reputation as a barometer for cinematic excellence. Iconic films such as "Nomadland," "Green Book," and "12 Years a Slave" have previously been crowned winners, subsequently sealing their fate as contenders for the Best Picture award at the Academy Awards. The correlation between Toronto's award and the Oscars has made it an event of significant interest for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

Past Winners and Their Oscar Success

Many past winners of the People's Choice Award have gone on to achieve remarkable success during the Oscars. Here are a few notable examples:

Nomadland - Winner of both the People's Choice Award and the Best Picture Oscar in 2021.
Green Book - Triumphed in both categories in 2019.
12 Years a Slave - Took home the People's Choice Award and later won the Best Picture Oscar in 2014.
The King's Speech - A 2011 winner of the People's Choice Award that also claimed the Best Picture Oscar.

2025 Winners Analysis

This year, the spotlight is on "Hamnet," which has captured the audience's attention and affection. Directed by a prominent figure in the industry, this film adaptation of Shakespeare’s life has been anticipated for its unique narrative approach and stellar performances. The significance of winning the People's Choice Award places it firmly in the spotlight for future accolades, including potential Oscar nominations.

Runner-Up Performances

The first runner-up, "Frankenstein," brings a fresh interpretation of the classic tale, which has historically been a subject of numerous adaptations. Its compelling narrative and modern twists have made it a strong contender in this year’s festival. Meanwhile, "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," the second runner-up, expands upon the successful franchise with a blend of mystery and humour that has resonated with audiences.

The Impact of Last Year's Winners

Reflecting on the previous year's winners, "The Life Of Chuck," despite lacking a North American distributor initially, made waves after being acquired by Neon. It went on to become Oscar eligible, proving that timing and distribution can significantly impact a film's success on the awards circuit. The combined 19 Oscar nominations from last year’s runner-ups illustrate the potential for this year’s selections as well.

What Lies Ahead for "Hamnet"?

As "Hamnet" moves forward in its awards campaign, it will be interesting to see how it fares in the upcoming Oscar race. Its win at TIFF places it in a favourable position, allowing it to garner attention from Academy members. The film’s critical acclaim, audience reception, and narrative depth will all play a crucial role in its Oscar journey.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Tradition of TIFF and the Oscars

The tradition of the Toronto International Film Festival and its relationship with the Oscars continues to be a fascinating subject for film lovers. As audiences and critics await the unfolding awards season, the performances of this year’s winners will be closely monitored. Will "Hamnet" follow in the footsteps of its predecessors and secure a spot among this year’s Best Picture nominees? Only time will tell, but the excitement is palpable.

FAQs

What is the People's Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival?

The People's Choice Award is an accolade presented at the Toronto Film Festival, determined by audience votes. It recognises the most popular film during the festival and serves as a predictor for future Oscar winners.

How has the People's Choice Award historically influenced the Oscars?

Many films that have won the People's Choice Award have gone on to receive nominations for Best Picture at the Oscars, with several winners ultimately taking home the top prize.

What films have won the People's Choice Award in the past?

Notable past winners include "Nomadland," "Green Book," "12 Years a Slave," and "The King's Speech," all of which have also won the Best Picture Oscar.

Who were the runners-up for the 2025 People's Choice Award?

The first runner-up for the 2025 People's Choice Award was "Frankenstein," and the second runner-up was "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery."

What does the success of previous winners suggest for this year's winner?

The success of previous winners indicates that films like "Hamnet" that win the People's Choice Award often gain significant traction in the Oscar race, potentially leading to nominations and wins.