"Toronto's Top Picks: Award-Winning Films, Hidden Gems, and Memorable Portraits from TIFF 2023"

The 48th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has come to a close, with attendance reportedly up compared to last year. Despite ongoing strikes, the festival still attracted big names, and several films garnered awards buzz. Cord Jefferson's "American Fiction" and Kristoffer Borgli's "Dream Scenario" are seen as contenders for lead acting and screenplay nominations. Sony's "Dumb Money" and Apple's "Flora and Son" are entertaining studio pics with potential in the adapted screenplay and original song categories, respectively. Netflix's "Stamped from the Beginning" and Amazon/MGM's "Cassandro" are expected to enter the best documentary feature and best actress races. The TIFF Audience Award is difficult to predict, but "American Fiction" is a potential frontrunner. The awards season continues with upcoming screenings at the New York Film Festival and other events.