Gala Québec Cinéma 2023 Celebrates Une langue universelle as the Year’s Big Winner
At the 27th Gala Québec Cinéma, the film “Une langue universelle,” directed by Matthew Rankin, emerged as the big winner. It clinched eight awards in total, demonstrating its popularity and critical acclaim. The event, hosted by Phil Roy, showcased the best in Quebec cinema.
Major Awards and Recognition
“Une langue universelle” took home five prestigious Iris awards, including Best Film and Best Direction for Matthew Rankin. The film also received the Iris for Best Screenplay, honored to Rankin along with Ila Firouzabadi and Pirouz Nemati. Rankin expressed gratitude towards his team and celebrated the diversity of Quebec cinema.
- Best Film: Une langue universelle
- Best Director: Matthew Rankin
- Best Screenplay: Matthew Rankin, Ila Firouzabadi, Pirouz Nemati
- Best Supporting Actress: Danielle Fichaud
- Best Supporting Actor: Mani Soleymanlou
Rankin’s film was also honored at the Gala Artisans, where it received three additional awards, including Best Ensemble Cast and Best Art Direction. The recognition emphasizes the film’s strong impact both within and outside Quebec.
Other Notable Winners
In other categories, Karine Gonthier-Hyndman won Best Actress for “Deux femmes en or,” while Patrick Hivon earned Best Actor for “Amour apocalypse.” The film “Bergers,” directed by Sophie Deraspe, took home four Iris awards, including Best Cinematography and Best Sound.
Emerging Talents and Tributes
The youngest recipient of the night, 12-year-old Marguerite Laurence, was celebrated as the Revelation of the Year for her role in “Mlle Bottine.” Her achievement highlighted the importance of producing films for younger audiences.
- Revelation of the Year: Marguerite Laurence
- Best Documentary: “Intercepted” by Oksana Karpovych
An emotional tribute was paid to filmmaker Léa Pool, who received the Iris Honorary Award. She emphasized the necessity of preserving Quebec’s cinematic heritage for future generations. A moment of remembrance was also held for the late Julien Poulin, a significant figure in Quebec’s cultural landscape.
Cultural Significance
The gala also reflected on the cultural differences that shape Quebec cinema. The producer Sylvain Corbeil noted, “Without Quebec’s cultural diversity, this film would not have been possible.” These sentiments echoed throughout the night as filmmakers celebrated the unique stories that define Quebec’s film industry.
The Gala Québec Cinéma serves as a crucial platform for recognizing the achievements of filmmakers like Matthew Rankin and the diverse talent within Quebec’s cinema. The accolades given to “Une langue universelle” reinforce its status as a landmark film in the province’s rich artistic landscape.
