While there are many Goliath associations and organizations related to film criticism and appreciation, there are also a number of David-sized groups equally well-versed in new releases, independent cinema and festival favourites. CAST, or the Cinema Appreciation Society of Toronto, is one of those more obscure collectives comprised of local film critics, bloggers, podcasters and film enthusiasts who share a passion for movies in all their glory — and sometimes revulsion.
Toronto hosts dozens of film festivals throughout the calendar year, averaging more than one per week and promoting the development of a mass of respected and intelligent writers and contributors united by a love of movies and the cinema culture in their city. Like their larger counterparts, the society convenes each year to vote on their top film choices selected from the hundreds of new pictures shown in Toronto via theatrical release, special presentation or festival screening. The 5th annual CAST Awards ballots were tallied New Year’s Eve and the group’s top 10 films of 2014 were announced in the new year. Though there were a total of 142 titles submitted for consideration, these are the top scoring movies amongst all nominations in descending order. Boyhood clinched the top spot with mentions by half the voters, including seven endorsements for No. 1.
1. Boyhood
2. The Grand Budapest Hotel
3. Whiplash
4. Nightcrawler
5. Under the Skin
6. Birdman
7. Gone Girl
8. Mommy
9. Inherent Vice
10. Force Majeure
