The buzz about the newest films shown at the Toronto Film Festival (TIFF) has been loud this past month, from the pre-festival predictions to the post-show analysis of the nuances of each movie. A lot of people like to keep up with these developments, because they can inform individuals as to what they should keep their eyes out for in theaters and can show the breakaway films and starts that might be big winners at the Golden Globes and Oscars.

It is no different this year. Though they're not yet available for viewing by the rest of the population, some people have been following reviews and critics' reactions and already know that they should probably think about seeing films like "12 Years a Slave and "The Square" when they finally hit theatres. Or, because it's currently such a popular option, when they're available for downloading over the Internet. After all, a number of innovative Canadians know that they can skip the long lines and high-priced snacks by just taking to services like iTunes and Netflix when they make their Internet debut.

It's the audience prizes that tend to present Canadians with an idea of what the best new movies are. There were a few clear breakout hits at this year's TIFF awards.

"12 Years a Slave"
Arguably the most talked-about movie that premiered at the TIFF, "12 Years a Slave," starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Michael Fassbender, won one of the biggest honours at the event this year. According to The Canadian Press, the movie garnered the People's Choice Award, meaning that it was the most popular film with viewers.

The news source explained that in the past, this has been a signal that the movie could put up a good fight for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, like those that went before it, like "Slumdog Millionaire," "Silver Linings Playbook" and "The King's Speech."

CBC News reported that the fanfare surrounding this movie has also lead festival organizers to decide to host a free screening of the movie for the public in Toronto.

"When Jews Were Funny"
The Canadian Press noted that comedic film "When Jews Were Funny" was also acclaimed at the TIFF, winning the award for the best Canadian feature. The source indicated that this might have a lot to do with its cast of Canadian all stars, from Bruce McDonald to Michael Dowse.

Real Screen noted that this win was a surprise, as it came up against many other well-received films.

"The Square"
CBC reported that there are actually two types of People's Choice Awards, and the one relating to the most popular documentary went to Jehane Noujaim's "The Square," which shed a light on the violence that took place during the recent Egyptian revolution in Cairo's Tahrir Square.

At the ceremony, the news source noted that Noujaim dedicated her award to Canadian filmmaker John Greyson and his co-worker Tarek Loubani, who have been imprisoned in the Egyptian capital for approximately a month without being charged with a crime.