Last night the fifth annual Polaris Prize was awarded to Karkwa, a Montreal alt-rock band that’s drawn comparison to Sigur Ros, Radiohead and Coldplay, for their album Les chemins de verre.

The award is chosen by an 11-member jury and is based on quality of music rather than sales. Karkwa is the first French-language band to win the prize and were clearly shocked when presented with the $20,000 cheque.

“That’s weird, that’s very strange,” said frontman Louis-Jean Cormier onstage. “I don’t know what to say.”

The gala took place at Toronto’s Masonic Temple and featured performances by all 10 artists on the short-list, including some on-stage collaborations.

The shortlist consisted of London rapper Shad K, Besnard Lakes, Tegan and Sara and The Sadies among others.

Previous winners Caribou and Owen Pallett (formerly Final Fantasy) were also nominated.