TORONTO (AP) — A World War II code-breaker drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch has won the top prize at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Director Morten Tyldum’s “The Imitation Game” claimed the coveted Grolsch People’s Choice Award on Sunday.

Cumberbatch plays World War II British code-breaker Alan Turing. The role is complicated because Cumberbatch not only must convey the mathematical brilliance of Turing, but the pressure he faced as a closeted gay man at a time when homosexuality was criminalized.

The film also stars Oscar nominee Keira Knightley and Matthew Goode.

Three of the past six People’s Choice Award winners have gone on to win the Oscar for best picture, including “The King’s Speech,” ”Slumdog Millionaire” and last year’s victor, “12 Years a Slave.”

Sunday is the last day of the 11-day movie marathon.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.