Sight & Sound Annual Poll Names ‘Toni Erdmann’ Best Film of 2016, Unveils Top 20 List

Sight & Sound, the BFI’s international film magazine, has unveiled its annual Top 20 films of the year list. Topping their annual poll is the German-Austrian comedy “Toni Erdmann” directed by Maren Ade. The film stars Sandra Hüller as a reluctant woman who must spend time with her estranged father, portrayed by Peter Simonischek, when he comes for a surprise visit.

“This makes us extremely proud, especially considering how many films you all watch in a year — and since we are all longstanding followers of the poll!” Ade stated.

READ MORE: New York Film Critics Circle Awards 2016: Full Winners List (Updated Live)

Related Stories

‘Toni Erdmann’: Lena Dunham and Jenni Konner No Longer Writing the Paramount Remake

Sight & Sound Names ‘Get Out’ and ‘Twin Peaks: The Return’ the Best Films of 2017

In second place is Barry Jenkins’ “Moonlight,” with Paul Verhoeven’s “Elle,” starring Isabelle Huppert, in third place. This year’s top five list also boasts three incredibly talented female directors: Ade, Kelly Reichardt (“Certain Women”) and Andrea Arnold (“American Honey”), each known for their bold and original storytelling. 

Over 150 UK and international film critics nominates their top five films from the year to compose the annual poll. The list has a wide variety of features that have garnered Oscar buzz and critical acclaim.

Check out the full list below.

READ MORE: ‘Toni Erdmann’ Trailer: Fathers and Daughters Who Joke Together Stay Together in Maren Ade’s Cannes Standout

Sight & Sound’s Top 20 Films of 2016

1. “Toni Erdmann” – Maren Ade

2. “Moonlight” – Barry Jenkins

3. “Elle” – Paul Verhoeven

4. “Certain Women” – Kelly Reichardt

5. “American Honey” – Andrea Arnold

6. “I, Daniel Blake”- Ken Loach

7. “Manchester by the Sea” – Kenneth Lonergan

8. “Things to Come (L’Avenir)” -Mia Hansen-Løve

9. “Paterson” – Jim Jarmusch

10. “The Death of Louis XIV” – Albert Serra

11. “Personal Shopper” – Olivier Assayas

12. “Sieranevada” – Cristi Puiu

13. “Fire At Sea (Fuocoamare)” – Gianfranco Rosi

14. “Nocturama” – Bertrand Bonello

15. “Julieta” – Pedro Almodóvar

16. “La La Land” – Damien Chazelle

17. “Cameraperson” – Kirsten Johnson

18. “Love & Friendship” – Whit Stillman

19. “Aquarius” – Kleber Mendonça Filho

20. “Victoria” – Sebastian Schipper

Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.