09.14.08
Toronto ‘08: ‘Slumdog’ Wins People’s Choice Award, Poke Yourself In The Eye If You Didn’t See That Coming
As the ten-day festival drew to a close this afternoon, Danny Boyle’s “Slumdog Millionaire” walked off with the People’s Choice award which anyone could have seen coming. That prize went to the Oscar-nominated “Eastern Promises” last year, “Bella” in ‘06, “Tsotsi” in ‘05 and “Hotel Rwanda” in ‘04. Whether or not that is an indication of things to come (mass appreciation, wide critical praise, awards recognition…you get the picture) I’m not so sure. Not every film that wins this award makes it in the outside world in a big way. But that doesn’t matter. What does is that it is on the map, and people are going to see it.
Steve McQueen’s “Hunger” took the Discovery trophy, while Derick Martini’s “Lymelife” secured the FIPRESCI prize for Discovery. Steve Jacobs’ John Malkovich-starring “Disgrace” won the FIPRESCI Prize for Special Presentations. Best Canadian film went to Rodrigue Jean’s “Lost Song.”
So if I was to come away with anything after the conclusion of Venice and Toronto, it is that I have an as-of-yet unscratchable itch to see “The Wrestler” and “Slumdog” as soon as possible. As well as a hundred others. Other than that, I got nothing. Go figure.
Kerry said,
September 14, 2008 at 1:05 am
“Slumdog” is a great film, better than all of those past winners with the exception of Hotel Rwanda. I’m glad it won. Same goes for Hunger, the other winners I missed.
I’m leaving Toronto tomorrow, I miss New York. Thanks for the fest coverage from afar Nick, it’s been fun :)
Mad Man said,
September 14, 2008 at 1:06 am
I kinda hoped it would go to The Wrestler, but whatever. i’m gonna poke myself in the eye anyway.
Dave said,
September 14, 2008 at 1:09 am
It’s sad to see yet another fest come and go, with only NYFF left before it is all over {until Sundance for me}. It was a strong festival, I don’t get what all the grumbling is about from certain corners. I had a great time, and judging from the films I saw, everyone else will be soon enough!
Justin said,
September 14, 2008 at 1:15 am
I can’t wait to see those either Nick! I hope SK and the FoF organisers are listening damn it. They better be. In fact, they ought to be.
Hank said,
September 14, 2008 at 1:20 am
I didn’t think Slumdog Millionaire was good at all, its was flashy and annoying and a complete waste of my time, The Wrestler SHOULD have won damn it. Stupid people and their choice.
Nick Plowman said,
September 14, 2008 at 1:24 am
No thank you Kerry and Dave for keeping us all informed about what we should keep an eye on, it’s was certainly fun ;) Have safe trips home.
Just, don’t worry, I’ll be sending them an email with ALL the festival links that they can handle, and if they don’t take notice, they might as well shoot themselves now and get it over with.
Hank said,
September 14, 2008 at 10:44 am
Okay, so I saw Slumdog again at the free screening, and I liked it a bit more. The audience was so in love with it.
Kerry said,
September 14, 2008 at 11:02 am
They were digging it, like I knew they would. Seeing it again was great, with a crowd that wanted to see it even though many had already seen it. Great day, such a positive vibe. I’ll miss TIFF this year, its was a good one. Maybe not for Oscar products, but for films, and that is what is important.