The VIFF 2026 Audience Awards winner in the Galas & Special Presentations category is I Play Rocky, opening in theatres in November.
The Story
The votes for the VIFF 2026 Audience Awards are in, with this year’s winner in the Galas & Special Presentations category being I Play Rocky.
The film follows Sylvester Stallone, portrayed by 27-year-old Anthony Ippolito, as he writes Rocky, the 1976 film that made him a star and led to several sequels, including the Creed spin-offs. The movie is directed by Peter Farrelly.
VIFF 2026 Audience Awards voting was based on post-screening ballots cast throughout the festival.
I Play Rocky opens to a limited theatrical release on Nov. 6, followed by a nationwide release on Nov. 20.
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