Toronto, Canada – The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is gearing up to announce its 2024 round of awards at the festival’s grand finale on September 15 at TIFF Lightbox. This year, TIFF has revamped its award criteria and expanded its jury panels to include notable figures from the global cinema landscape.
After a five-year hiatus, the Best Canadian Discovery Award returns with a new focus and recognition criteria tailored to champion the efforts of emerging Canadian filmmakers in the festival’s Official Selection. The award will be a beacon for new voices, spotlighting first or second feature films by Canadian directors, with a cash prize of $10,000 awarded to the winner.
Additionally, the Best Canadian Feature Film Award, backed by Canada Goose, continues to acknowledge established Canadian narratives. With a similar cash prize, this award is reserved for feature films that are not debuts or second works, effectively spanning the full spectrum of national cinematography present at the festival.
The selection process is guided by a panel of esteemed jury members within these two categories. Among them is Estrella Araiza, an influential figure in Mexican and Latin American film circles, currently serving as the General Director of the Guadalajara International Film Festival. Toronto-based Chelsea McMullan, known for their extensive work in documentary and hybrid films, and Randall Okita, a Japanese Canadian artist renowned for his unique storytelling and visual artistry, also join the panel.
In line with TIFF’s tradition of international collaboration, the FIPRESCI Prize, presented by the International Federation of Film Critics, recognizes emerging filmmakers with a debut feature having its World Premiere at the festival. The panel includes several prominent critics, such as Li Cheuk-to from Hong Kong, Pierre-Simon Gutman from France, and Tehran-based critic Azadeh Jafari, emphasizing the global scale and influence of TIFF’s critical acclaim.
The People’s Choice Awards, a highlight and a predictor of future Oscar potential, will also be distinctly marked at TIFF. This audience-favored accolade spans three categories: the general People’s Choice Award, the Documentary Award, and the Midnight Madness Award. Last year’s winners include notable entries that have subsequently seen critical and commercial success.
Furthermore, the NETPAC Award, vital in recognizing cinematic achievements from Asia-Pacific filmmakers, brings attention to works by first or second-time directors. The importance of bridging Eastern cinematic narratives with global audiences is underlined by the jury, led by Dr. Vilsoni Hereniko, a prominent figure in Pacific cinema education and advocacy.
As the festival progresses toward its conclusion, the cinematic community watches closely, with jury deliberations expected to bring forth a celebration of film that both honors traditional storytelling and embraces new, innovative voices in cinema. This year’s TIFF is not just a showcase of current cinematic talents but also a reaffirmation of Toronto’s role as a pivotal hub in the global film industry.