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A Universal Language Dominates quebec Cinema’s Iris Awards
Quebec’s cinematic achievements were celebrated this weekend as Matthew Rankin‘s A Universal Language took home eight Iris awards,including Best Film,solidifying its position as the most acclaimed film of the year.
The Gala Québec Cinéma unfolded across two evenings, beginning with the Artisans gala on thursday and culminating in Sunday’s main event, hosted by Phil Roy at Grandé Studios on Noovo. Roy,playfully acknowledging the difficulty in securing returning hosts – referencing past emcees who “ran away” or attempted to “escape” – presided over the presentation of 12 Iris prizes.
A Universal Language‘s triumph included five awards presented on sunday, adding to the three it received at the Artisans Gala. the film’s success was punctuated by director Matthew Rankin’s exuberant reaction, quoted as saying, “Boom, bitch!” by host Phil Roy. Rankin, a Winnipeg native whose previous work includes The 20th Century, also secured the Iris for Best Direction alongside co-writers Ila Firouzabadi and Pirouz Nemati. He expressed his gratitude,stating,”I am stunned,if I may say so,by this encouragement! […] I woudl like to shout my love to all of you in the room,my friends and heroes of Quebec cinema.” He also specifically lauded producer sylvain Corbeil as “one of the greatest and daring producers in Quebec.”
The awards weren’t limited to Rankin’s film. Danielle Fichaud and Mani Soleymanlou were recognized for their supporting performances, with Fichaud noting the honor coincided with her 50th anniversary and Soleymanlou expressing gratitude for the opportunity to perform in his mother tongue. Sophie Deraspe’s Shepherds garnered four awards at the artisans Gala,including prizes for best direction of photography,best sound,best editing,and best original music.
leading role performances were also celebrated, with Karine Gonthier-Hyndman winning for Two Women in Gold and Patrick Hivon taking home the award for Amour Apocalypse. A especially poignant moment occurred during the acceptance speech for Gonthier-Hyndman’s award, as the filmmaker announced the actress had given birth just hours earlier. Hivon, reflecting on the creative process, credited producer Sylvain Corbeil with encouraging “the most daring” choices.
Emerging talent was also recognized, with Marguerite Laurence, 12 years old, crowned revelation of the year for her performance in Mlle Ankle Boot. Jean-François Leblanc and Samuel Cantin’s Vile & miserable earned the Iris for best first film, while Oksana Karpovych’s documentary Intercepted received the award for best documentary film, with a producer using the platform to express solidarity with both Ukraine and Palestine.
The gala also included tributes to Léa Pool, a celebrated figure in Quebec cinema, and Julien Poulin, who passed away in January. Louis Morissette, accepting the Michel-Côté prize for The Christmas Cyclone, delivered a spirited defense of Quebec’s cultural identity, playfully identifying as “a little aplaventrian” and advocating for greater support for Quebec productions on streaming platforms.
The iris Awards underscored the vibrancy and diversity of Quebec cinema, celebrating both established talents and rising stars. the event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting Quebec’s unique cinematic heritage.
