The Spanish queer period drama La Bola Negra has secured the People’s Choice Award at this year’s Toronto Film Festival, a honor widely regarded as a significant indicator for upcoming Academy Award contenders.
Set across three distinct time periods—1932, 1937, and 2017—the film explores the interconnected lives of gay men. It made its international debut earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim.
Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian awarded the film four stars, praising the production for being handsome, lovingly detailed, and confidently constructed.
Four stars from Bradshaw is no joke. That Guardian review was spot on—I haven’t stopped thinking about it.
People’s Choice often predicts the Oscar winner. Should we start betting on La Bola Negra now?
Finally, a queer period piece that gets the recognition it deserves. This is such a welcome win for representation.
Can someone explain the plot? The award is huge, but I keep wondering what actually happens in the story.
I saw this at Cannes and it was absolutely stunning. So glad Toronto audiences are loving it too!