‘La Bola Negra’ Wins Top Prize at Toronto International Film Festival, tell me about this news in (https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/20/movies/la-bola-negra-toronto-international-film-festival-peoples-choice-award.html)
20-09-2026
La Bola Negra (The Black Ball), the Spanish queer epic directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi (widely known as “Los Javis”), has won the prestigious People’s Choice Award at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Key Details of the Announcement:The Film: La Bola Negra is an ambitious, decades-spanning drama exploring the intertwined lives and struggles of three gay men across different eras in Spain. The story draws inspiration from an unfinished play of the same title by legendary poet and playwright Federico García Lorca, who was executed during the Spanish Civil War, as well as Alberto Conejero’s play La piedra oscura.
The Cast: The ensemble is led by Guitarricadelafuente, Miguel Bernardeau, Carlos González, Milo Quifes, and Lola Dueñas, featuring high-profile appearances by Penélope Cruz and Glenn Close.
Awards Momentum: The victory marks a significant milestone in the film’s international festival run. It previously debuted in main competition at the Cannes Film Festival, where Calvo and Ambrossi took home the Best Director prize. It has also been selected as Spain’s official contender for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards.
Oscar Implications: The TIFF People’s Choice Award is renowned as one of the most reliable bellwethers for Academy Awards success, with past winners frequently securing Best Picture nominations and wins. Winning the audience prize in Toronto solidifies La Bola Negra as a major contender for the upcoming awards season.