Arcade Fire Win 2011 Polaris Prize

UPDATE: click here for full wrap-up of the 2011 Polaris Prize

Well, can't say that we're surprised to see Montreal's Arcade Fire walk away with Canada's music critic-voted Polaris Prize for 2011. The honour, which comes with a $30,000 jackpot, was awarded to the beloved collective Monday night (Sept. 19) at an invite-only gala in Toronto for their smash album, 'The Suburbs.'

While there was speculation that the tide might turn on the clear frontrunner in the race -- despite, or rather because of, their recent award show hat-trick winning a Grammy, Juno and Brit -- in the end, the grand jury of journalists and radio pros smiled down on Win Butler and Co.

The night, which was co-hosted by F---ed Up's Damian Abraham and featured performances from other 2011 short list nominees such as Austra, Braids and Timber Timbre (ironically Arcade Fire, while there, did not perform), showcased another stellar year in Canadian music.

Arcade Fire beat out the Weeknd, Ron Sexsmith, Colin Stetson, Galaxie, Hey Rosetta! and Destroyer in addition to the acts listed above. The Montreal collective takes the crown from last year's winners, and fellow Quebecers,Karkwa.