Manchevski's Sister Brother Manhole Cover Wins Tokyo Grand Prix
The Macedonian director's film took the Governor of Tokyo Award, while Lisandro Alonso won best director at the 39th edition.
Milcho Manchevski's Sister Brother Manhole Cover won the Grand Prix at the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival, which closed on November 5, 2026, according to hollywoodreporter.com. The top award carries the Governor of Tokyo Award, worth $19,000 (3 million yen).
Manchevski did not attend the ceremony. Producer Kortoshev accepted the award on his behalf, and the director sent a video message. The film's two leads, Sara Klimoska and Filip Trajkovikj, were present.
Lisandro Alonso took best director for Double Freedom, and Sun Xun's Magic Atlas received the special jury prize. Magic Atlas became the first animation selected for the main competition in Tokyo.
Hu Ling was named best actress for The Night That Binds Us. Japan's only win came in the best actor category, for Narita Ryo in Two Cigarettes, Three Nights.
Heysel 85, directed by Teodora Ana Mihai, won the audience award. Serife Tavsan, directed by Tareq Daoud, won the Asian Future competition and a cash prize of $6,325 (1 million yen). The jury was headed by Rolf de Heer alongside producers Alex Lo and Oh Jungwan, actor Watanabe Makiko and colorist Yov Moor.
Attendance and earlier appearances
More than 69,000 people attended screenings of 204 films over the festival's 10 days. Manchevski had previously competed in Tokyo: his film Kaymak was in competition at the festival in 2022.
Quick answers
Which film won the Grand Prix at the Tokyo International Film Festival?
Milcho Manchevski's Sister Brother Manhole Cover won the Grand Prix, which comes with the Governor of Tokyo Award worth $19,000 (3 million yen).
Who won best actor and best actress at the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival?
Hu Ling won best actress for The Night That Binds Us, and Narita Ryo won best actor for Two Cigarettes, Three Nights.
Who headed the Tokyo International Film Festival jury?
The jury was headed by Rolf de Heer, with producers Alex Lo and Oh Jungwan, actor Watanabe Makiko and colorist Yov Moor.