Spanish film La Bola Negra wins Toronto film festival audience award, boosting Oscar prospects

At the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada, the Spanish film "La Bola Negra" won the People's Choice Award on Sunday, September 20, 2026. Directed by Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo, the queer epic about three gay men had previously shared the best director award at Cannes. Netflix, which acquired the film, will release it in theaters on October 16 and on streaming on December 2. The award is seen as a strong Oscar predictor, with most past winners receiving best-picture nominations. Other winners included "Elsinore" for international film and "Darlene Love: I Know Where I've Been" for documentary.