Pola Negri Statuette for Łukasz Simlat (photos)
The acclaimed and popular actor received the statuette from Marshal Piotr Całbecki on Friday (3 July), during the closing gala of the 24th Tofifest International Film Festival in Toruń. Łukasz Simlat is the twenty-sixth recipient of the Pola Negri Film Award of the Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region, presented for the past four years. The winners of the Golden Angels were also announced during Friday’s ceremony.
“Film is an art form that holds an important place in the cultural policy of the regional government. Through our Film Fund, we support important and ambitious productions, while the Pola Negri statuettes honour talented creators of the tenth muse. Łukasz Simlat is such an actor. I am proud that I was able to present this distinction during the Tofifest festival, which for years has been a recognised brand on Poland’s and the region’s cultural map,” said Marshal Piotr Całbecki.
This year, the Marshal of the Region’s Film Awards were also presented to Magdalena Czerwińska and Zbigniew Suszyński.
During the closing gala, Bogusław Linda was awarded the “Thorunium” Medal of the President of Toruń.
The Grand Prix of the 24th Tofifest Festival went to A Light That Never Goes Out, directed by Lauri-Matti Parppei.
The audience award in the From Poland Polish Film Competition went to Dom dobry, directed by Wojciech Smarzowski.
A special award was presented to the makers of Silent Rebellion, directed by Marie-Elsa Sgualdo.
The jury also honoured Eva Kostić for her role in 17, directed by Kosara Mitić, and Hasan Akil for his role in A Sad and Beautiful World, directed by Cyril Aris.
The Young Actress Distinction was awarded to Aurora Dávila, who appeared in Vainilla, directed by Mayra Hermosillo.
The Golden Angel for Creative Defiance went to Nastassja Kinski. The remaining Golden Angels were presented at the festival’s opening ceremony.
Other festival awards:
- Andrzej Konopka – Award for an Original Acting Performance in LARP. Love, Trolls and Other Quests, directed by Kordian Kądziela
- Michał Marczak – Ryszard Bugajski Award for Best Direction for Bez końca
- Tobiasz Wajda, Bruno Błach-Baar, Mikołaj Juszczyk and Filip Juszczyk – Children’s Actors Award in a Polish Film for their roles in Piotr Domalewski’s Ministranci
The jury comprised Magdalena Łazarkiewicz, Karolina Gruszka, Andrzej Chyra, Wojciech Gostomczyk and Xawery Żuławski.
Beata Krzemińska
Press Spokesperson for the Marshal’s Office
6 July 2026
