Choice

Chloé Zhao’s ‘Hamnet’ Triumphs at TIFF, Claiming People’s Choice Award in a Festival Packed with Riveting Stories

by

Toronto, Canada — Chloé Zhao’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel, “Hamnet,” has captured the People’s Choice Award at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), marking a significant achievement for the director. The award was announced during a ceremony held on Sunday, and it reflects the festival’s unique approach, allowing audiences rather than a jury to decide the year’s favorite film. At TIFF, attendees of public screenings cast votes for their top picks on the festival’s official website. “Hamnet” led the voting, triumphing over Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein,” which secured second place, and Rian … Read more

Prithviraj Sukumaran Celebrates People’s Choice Win Amid National Award Snub, Emphasizing Audience Connection in Cinema

by

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates — Prithviraj Sukumaran recently expressed his thoughts on the importance of audience appreciation over formal accolades after the National Awards did not recognize his film, Aadujeevitham – The Goat Life. The actor received significant applause for his portrayal of Najeeb in the survival drama, directed by Blessy, yet the film’s omission from the awards list left many surprised. While accepting the People’s Choice Award at the BOTIM Onamamangam 2025 event in Sharjah, Sukumaran emphasized that films are crafted for public enjoyment rather than for juries to evaluate. He remarked that a … Read more

Venice Film Festival Jury President Defends Golden Lion Choice Amid Controversy Over Standing Ovation Favorite

by

Venice, Italy — Alexander Payne, president of the jury at the Venice Film Festival, addressed criticism on Saturday regarding the decision to award the festival’s prestigious Golden Lion to Jim Jarmusch’s film, “Father Mother Sister Brother.” This announcement came as a surprising turn for many, especially since Kaouther Ben Hania’s “The Voice of Hind Rajab” received an enthusiastic 22-minute standing ovation following its debut. During a press conference, Payne shared his thoughts on the inherent challenges of festival judging. “The unfair aspect of being at a festival is having to declare one film superior to … Read more

Park Chan-wook’s ‘No Other Choice’ Falls Short of Venice Film Festival Honors

by

Venice, Italy — Park Chan-wook’s latest film, “No Other Choice,” did not receive an award at the Venice International Film Festival, a disappointment for fans and critics alike. Known for his distinctive storytelling style, the acclaimed South Korean director had hoped to add another accolade to his impressive resume at this prestigious event. The film, which explores themes of life, death, and moral dilemmas, faced stiff competition against a range of international entries. Park’s work is typically characterized by rich visual narratives and complex characters, which had set high expectations going into the festival. However, … Read more