IFB-Supported ‘Room’ Wins the Prestigious People’s Choice Award at Toronto International Film Festival
Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board-supported Room, the acclaimed new film from director Lenny Abrahamson, has won the Grolsch People's Choice Award at this year's Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
The People's Choice Award is considered to be TIFF's most prestigious award, with many previous winners going on to achieve success at major award ceremonies. Previous winners include Silver Linings Playbook and The Imitation Game, as well as Academy Award® Best Picture winners Slumdog Millionaire, The King's Speech and 12 Years a Slave.
Speaking on Room's win, IFB CEO James Hickey said: "Congratulations to Lenny Abrahamson and all those who participated in the making of this wonderful film. Lenny together with Emma Donoghue, Ed Guiney and all those working with Element Pictures have again proved the impact that Irish creative talent can have upon the world of film."
Director Lenny Abrahamson commented: "I am so honoured that Room has been chosen by the TIFF audience to win the Grolsch People's choice award. The program this year was full of extraordinary films, and for such a knowledgeable, film-loving audience to choose ours as their film of the festival is something of which I will always be hugely proud. It is a testament to the incredible talent and passion of all who made this film; cast and crew and those who backed us and had faith in us from the beginning."
Producer Ed Guiney said: "This win is a major accolade and a huge tribute to Lenny, Emma and the rest of the amazing cast and crew. Toronto is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world with more than 300 films playing over 10 days so this award gives us great momentum as we head towards our North American release next month."
Room was adapted by Emma Donoghue from her own novel. Told through the eyes of five-year-old-Jack, Room is a thrilling and emotional tale that celebrates the resilience and power of the human spirit. Starring Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Joan Allen and William H. Macy, Room was produced by Ed Guiney and David Gross for Element Pictures and No Trace Camping. It was funded by the IFB, Film4, Telefilm Canada, Elevation Pictures, Ontario Media Development Corporation, A24, Film Nation.
Room will be released in Ireland on January 29th. Watch the trailer here.