Washington, Sept. 14 -- Acclaimed director Chloe Zhao's film 'Hamnet' captured the Toronto International Film Festival's highly coveted People's Choice Award, strengthening its Oscar chances, according to Variety.

In addition, Zhao is the first director to win the award twice, coming after her 2020 victory for "Nomadland."

Since the Academy expanded the Best Picture field in 2009, TIFF Audience Award winners have become reliable Oscar barometers. Films such as 'Green Book' (2018) and 'Nomadland' (2020) went on to claim the top prize, while others like 'The Fabelmans' (2022) factored heavily into awards season. Only one winner, 'Where Do We Go Now?' (2011), failed to secure a best picture nom.

The people's choice category was created in...