“A film that innovatively explores the full spectrum of cinematic expression, resonating deeply and bridging the past with the present.” So read the conclusion of the jury motivation, which explained their high regard for the winner of the Bronze Horse for Best Film at the 35th Stockholm International Film Festival, RaMell Ross’ Nickel Boys. Based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 2019 novel of the same name, the film takes the viewer back to 1962 and Jim Crow-era USA, where two coloured boys endure the abusive surroundings of a segregated Florida youth-reform school. Opening at Telluride to considerable acclaim, Ross’s narrative directorial debut has further cemented his status as a promising new force to keep an eye on in the big leagues. Oscar buzz is also in the air.

Canada’s 2025 Academy Awards submission, the decidedly surreal and absurdist comedy Universal Language, won the Best Director Award for Matthew Rankin, and the Austrian Oscar candidate The Devil’s Bath [+lee también:
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Here is the full list of award winners:

Best Film
Nickel Boys - RaMell Ross (USA)

Best Director
Matthew Rankin - Universal Language (Canada)

Best First Feature
Peacock [+lee también:
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Best Screenplay
Alonso Ruizpalacios - La Cocina (Mexico/USA)

Best Actress
Malou Khébizi – Wild Diamond [+lee también:
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Best Actor
Izaac Wang – Didi (USA)

Best Cinematography
Martin Gschlacht – The Devil's Bath [+lee también:
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Best Documentary
Porcelain War – Brendan Bellomo, Slava Leontyev (USA/Australia/Ukraine)

Best Short
The Sea in Between – Lun Sevnik (Slovenia/Czech Republic/Croatia)

Nikon Short Film Competition (60sek)
Bovieran – Joel Wiklund-Ekman (Sweden)

1 KM FILM Award

1 KM FILM Award
Den osmidige – Lode Kuylenstierna (Sweden/Spain)

1 KM FILM Script Development Award
Färgblind –Nanna Blondell (Sweden)

1 KM FILM Honourable Mention
Ultimatum – Jean Luc and Desirée Mwepu (Sweden)

Nordic Wave Pitch Award
The Blowfish – Elin Övergaard (Sweden/Denmark)

Rising Star Award
Erik Svedberg-Zelman

Stockholm Achievement Award
Jesse Eisenberg

Visionary Award
Sean Baker
Steve McQueen

Lifetime Achievement Award
Costa-Gavras