A scene from the film ‘ Universal Language’. (Photo by Oscilloscope Laboratories via AP)
The Toronto Film Critics Association (TFCA Awards) celebrated cinematic excellence at a grand gala, naming a unique dramedy as the best Canadian feature film of the year. ‘Universal Language’ a thought-provoking dramedy set in an alternate-reality Winnipeg took home the $50,000 Rogers Best Canadian Film Award. Writer-director Matthew Rankin and co-writer Ila Firouzabadi received the prestigious prize during Monday night's event.
Rankin expressed his gratitude, highlighting the film's theme of kindness.
"It’s a gentle film in an era that feels anything but gentle," he said. "People have responded to it because it’s about being nice to each other, a rarity these days."
The film features Rankin playing himself alongside a diverse cast speaking Persian and French. It intertwines Winnipeg, Quebec, and Tehran, offering a cross-cultural cinematic experience. Despite being Canada's official entry for Best International Feature at the Academy Awards, it did not make the final selection.
Rankin, known for his modest outlook, joked about how he planned to use the prize money.
"I think I'll pay my Rogers bill. I owe a lot to Bell too," he quipped.
Best Canadian Documentary Award
Another highlight of the evening was the $50,000 Rogers Best Canadian Documentary Award, which went to "Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story." Co-directed by Michael Mabbott and Lucah Rosenberg-Lee, the documentary sheds light on Jackie Shane, a trailblazing transgender soul singer who made waves in Toronto’s 1960s music scene before disappearing in 1971.
Shane, who passed away in Nashville in 2019 at 78, received renewed recognition after earning a Grammy nomination in 2018. Mabbott shared his joy at the film’s reception.
"Teenagers and seniors alike have connected with Jackie’s story. It’s been overwhelming," he said.
Winning the prize money, he added, would help fund future projects.
"The media industry is tough. This win allows us to live another day and make another film."
Additional Awards and Recognitions
The runners-up for the two major prizes, each receiving $5,000, included:
- Feature Films: Rumours and Shepherds
- Documentaries: Yintah and Your Tomorrow
Meanwhile, the Jay Scott Prize for Emerging Artists went to filmmaker J Stevens for their debut drama, Really Happy Someday. The film explores a musical theatre performer’s journey after transitioning to a trans-masculine identity.
Veteran actor and Reelworld Screen Institute founder Tonya Williams received the Company 3 Luminary Award for her contributions to Canadian cinema. The award includes a $50,000 pay-it-forward production grant, which Williams chose to pass on to Vancouver-based filmmaker Leena Minifie.
Major Wins from December’s TFCA Awards
While the gala celebrated individual achievements, most of TFCA’s 2024 awards were announced earlier in December. Among the top winners was RaMell Ross’ Jim Crow-era drama "Nickel Boys," which took home three key awards:
- Best Picture
- Best Director
- Best Adapted Screenplay
Ross accepted his awards from Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) CEO Cameron Bailey.
The glamorous night was hosted by Tamara Podemski, known for her role in Outer Range.
About the Toronto Film Critics Association
The TFCA comprises Toronto-based film critics, broadcasters, and journalists, dedicated to recognizing outstanding work in cinema. The annual awards celebrate Canadian and international films, shining a spotlight on the industry's finest talents.
