Spanish queer epic La Bola Negra has cemented its standing as a major Academy Award contender after taking home the coveted People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday. The feature explores the intertwined lives of three gay men.
Voted for directly by festivalgoers, the top prize at TIFF is widely regarded as a reliable predictor for future Oscar success. Every recipient since 2012, bar one, has subsequently secured a best picture nomination at the Academy Awards. The sole exception occurred in 2024 with Mike Flanagan’s Stephen King adaptation The Life of Chuck. Last year's winner, Hamnet, went on to earn eight Oscar nominations.
