Mockumentary ‘I Love Paris’ Wins Top Honors at 2026 Fantasia Film Festival.

Vampire Mockumentary ‘I Love Paris’ Takes Top Honors at 2026 Fantasia Film Festival Audience Awards In a thrilling conclusion to the 2026 Fantasia International Film Festival, audiences have crowned their favorite films in the annual audience awards. This year’s event, held from July 16 to August 2, saw a diverse range of cinematic offerings compete for top honors. The highly anticipated results are in, and the winner of the coveted best international feature award is none other than Nicky Murphy’s hilarious vampire mockumentary I Love Paris..

Directed by Murphy, I Love Paris has been making waves in the film festival circuit with its unique blend of humor, horror, and heart. The film follows a group of eccentric vampires navigating the city of love and lights in search of their perfect match. With its witty dialogue and charming cast of characters, it’s little wonder that audiences fell head over heels for this delightful treat..

By taking home the top international feature award, I Love Paris has solidified its position as one of the standout films of the festival. Alongside Nicky Murphy’s I Love Paris, another remarkable animated feature stole the show – Masanao Kawajiri’s whimsical Cherry and Virgin. This beautifully crafted film tells the story of two young friends, Cherry and Virgin, and their enchanting adventures in a mystical realm..

With its stunning animation and poignant storytelling, Cherry and Virgin captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike, earning it the coveted best animated feature award. In a year filled with stunning submissions, the selection of the audience awards committee truly showcases the diversity and creative flair of the international film community. The Fantasia International Film Festival has once again proven itself to be a platform for emerging talent and established filmmakers alike, providing a forum for their most innovative and captivating works to shine..

The winners of the audience awards are a testament to the enduring power of cinema to captivate and inspire. The Fantasia International Film Festival has been a staple of the Montreal film scene for over three decades. Each year, the festival attracts thousands of film enthusiasts from around the world, eager to experience the best in genre films from international filmmakers..

This year’s event, in particular, was a resounding success, featuring an impressive lineup of over 120 films from 25 countries. The excitement and anticipation of the festival’s audience were palpable, with many attendees arriving early to secure prime viewing spots at the various screenings. One of the standout features of this year’s festival was the inclusion of a special retrospective dedicated to the iconic French director Georges Méliès..

The screening of his influential sci-fi short A Trip to the Moon marked a poignant anniversary, celebrating 125 years since the film’s original release in 1902. As part of the Méliès retrospective, organizers also showcased a series of contemporary tributes and homages, underscoring the enduring influence of this cinematic pioneer. For many attendees, however, the highlight of the festival was undoubtedly the premiere of Nicky Murphy’s I Love Paris..

The film’s unique take on vampire lore, coupled with its sharp wit and charming performances, had audiences chuckling and gasping in equal measure. Murphy’s infectious enthusiasm and passion for film-making are truly inspiring and serve as a prime example of the innovative spirit that animates the filmmaking community. As the curtain closed on the 2026 Fantasia International Film Festival, audiences departed with full hearts and a renewed sense of wonder..

The winners of the audience awards – I Love Paris and Cherry and Virgin – are shining beacons of creative excellence, illuminating the path ahead for emerging filmmakers. Their success will undoubtedly pave the way for more exciting breakthroughs in the world of genre cinema. Masanao Kawajiri, director of Cherry and Virgin, expressed his gratitude upon accepting the award for best animated feature..

In an exclusive interview with the festival, he praised the Fantasia audience for their passion and appreciation for unique storytelling. His words echoed the sentiments of many filmmakers in attendance, underlining the critical role that the festival plays in nurturing a vibrant and inclusive global community of artists and film lovers. Throughout its history, the Fantasia International Film Festival has consistently demonstrated a flair for discovery..

Year in, year out, organizers showcase a dazzling array of emerging talent and bold new works that captivate and inspire audiences. The result is a rich tapestry of cinematic treasures that not only honor the past but also boldly forge a vision for the future. One of the most talked-about panel discussions of the festival centered on the rapidly changing landscape of global cinema..

Participants debated the challenges and opportunities presented by advancements in technology, social media, and accessibility. While change always brings its share of challenges, it is precisely this spirit of experimentation and adaptation that drives innovation and progress in the arts. The 2026 Fantasia International Film Festival will, no doubt, be remembered as a pivotal moment in the development of genre cinema..

This year’s audience awards have not only crowned outstanding films but also underscored the enduring power of storytelling to bridge cultures, transcend time and place, and connect with audiences worldwide. For the winners of this year’s audience awards, I Love Paris and Cherry and Virgin, there is no going back to business as usual. Their recognition at the Fantasia International Film Festival serves as a seal of approval, opening doors to new creative collaborations, festival invitations, and potential distribution deals..

It is a testament to the boundless potential of these two remarkable films and a shining tribute to the filmmakers who brought them to life..