Green Books Wins TIFF’s Top Award

The Toronto International Film Festival has drawn to a close once more, and on Sunday the awards were handed out for the top films of the festival. While there were several films in the race for the People’s Choice Award, it was Peter Farrelly’s Green Book that came out on top.

Green Book is the true story of a white bouncer (played by Viggo Mortensen) who becomes the driver/bodyguard of an African-American classical pianist (Oscar winner Mahershala Ali) who is on tour through the 1960s American South. They must rely on the “Green Book” in order to survive the dangers of the time, which was a book created to guide people to establishments that were safe for African-Americans during that time period. Part drama, and part comedy, this film drew rave reviews from crowds at the festival, which puts it in a good position come awards’ season. In the past, five audience awards winners won the Oscar’s Best Picture Trophy, including Slumdog Millionaire, 12 Years a Slave and The King’s Speech. In the last two years La La Land and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri took home the prize, and both were nominated for Best Picture. 

Perhaps the most shocking things about Green Book is that it was directed by Peter Farrelly, who is best known for his work alongside his brother Bobby. Together they directed Dumb and Dumber, There’s Something About Mary and Shallow Hal.  

By Roderick Thedorff