This is a very big deal.
Adapted from the acclaimed novel by Irish author Emma Donoghue, Room has been awarded the Grolsch People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Directed by the supremely-talented Lenny Abrahamson (Adam & Paul, Garage, What Richard Did, Frank) , the film stars Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay and tells the tale of a young woman and her five-year-old son who have been held captive in a one-room prison by a man called Old Nick.
This particular award is voted for by the audiences and it’s often a good indication of who wins what during Oscar season.
12 Years a Slave, Slumdog Millionaire and The King’s Speech have all won the TIFF People’s Choice audience award and subsequently went on to win Best Film at the Oscars.
What’s that buzzing noise you’re hearing?
Oscar buzz. That’s the buzzing noise you’re hearing.
Of course, the winners of these types of major awards are never absolute certainties, but you’d have to say it’s no surprise to hear that Room has done so well, especially following these early rave reviews from US critics:
“Beautifully handled adaptation” – Variety
“Unforgettable, must-witness performances” – The Playlist
“Exquisite and heart-breaking” – HitFlix
“Triumph of independent filmmaking at its very best” – Deadline
“Relentlessly compelling adaptation” – IndieWire
“Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay are a wonder” – The Huffington Post
“One-of-a-kind, must-see experience” – The New York Post
Needless to say, the director was delighted with the positive response, taking to Twitter to express his joy:
https://twitter.com/lennyabrahamson/status/645653164948127744
He went on to say, “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.”
A superb achievement from all involved, we can’t wait to see it.
Check out the chilling trailer to get you in the mood in the meantime…
Clip via A24
Room is in Irish cinemas on 29 January 2016
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