The 39th annual Virginia Film Festival, held in charming Charlottesville, wrapped up its five-day event, drawing over 26,600 attendees and showcasing 134 features. Among the highlights was the announcement of its audience award winners, with Peter Farrelly's "I Play Rocky" emerging as a clear favorite in the narrative feature category, as reported by IndieWire.

"I Play Rocky" casts Anthony Ippolito in a star-making role as a young Sylvester Stallone, chronicling his relentless fight to not only sell his screenplay for "Rocky" but also to star as the lead character. The film vividly recreates the gritty, underdog spirit of the original 1977 Oscar-winning classic, portraying Stallone's struggle against producers Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff, who were initially keen on his script but hesitant about his insistence on playing the titular role. Tracy Letts delivers a standout performance as a dryly observant United Artists studio head, ultimately won over by Stallone's undeniable charisma.

The film's reception at the Virginia Film Festival mirrors its earlier success at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it was the first runner-up for the coveted People’s Choice Award, placing just behind Netflix's "La Bola Negra." This consistent audience appeal positions "I Play Rocky" as a dark horse in the upcoming awards season, with some industry observers suggesting it has the potential to break into the Best Picture race, despite a mixed critical reception. Early screenings have reportedly generated audible cheers from audiences, indicating a strong connection with viewers.

"I Play Rocky" is slated for a limited theatrical release on November 6, followed by a wider release on November 20, strategically timed for the Thanksgiving holiday season. Its journey from festival darling to potential Oscar contender will be closely watched.

Beyond "I Play Rocky," the Virginia Film Festival also recognized other compelling works. The Documentary Feature Audience Award went to Matthew Syrett and Bowie Alexander’s "Admission Possible," which follows the college application journeys of first-generation high school students in New York City. Short film honors included Teddy Stern’s narrative short "Getar Hero" and the documentary short "Sarah Ann Kelley: Becoming Visible," a portrait of an 85-year-old Charlottesville native who defied racial and gender barriers. The festival's diverse lineup also included international Oscar hopefuls and acclaimed indies, contributing to a vibrant cinematic experience for its attendees.