Move over, films and TV series: It’s time for the fall festivals to start rolling out some other announcements. TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey announced on Wednesday morning the first group of annual TIFF Tribute Awards honorees, celebrating outstanding contributions to cinema and kicking off awards season.
This year’s class of honorees includes Penélope Cruz (in “La Bola Negra” and “Bunker” at the festival), Lee Chang-dong (back eight years after “Burning” with “Possible Love”), Rosalind Eleazar (“Misty Green”), Siân Heder (whose “Being Heumann” will open the festival), and Isabelle Huppert. The annual awards gala will take place on Sunday, September 13, at Fairmont Royal York Hotel Toronto.
Cruz will receive the TIFF Special Tribute Award, presented by Chanel; Lee will be honored with the TIFF Ebert Director Award, presented by The Tory Family; Eleazar and Huppert will be presented with TIFF Tribute Performer Awards; and Heder will receive the TIFF Tribute Award in Impact Media, presented by Anne-Marie Canning.
“Now in its eighth year, the TIFF Tribute Awards celebrates some of cinema’s most exciting artists at an event dedicated to the transformative power of film,” said Bailey in an official statement. “From the captivating performances of Isabelle Huppert, Penélope Cruz, and Rosalind Eleazar to Lee Chang-dong and Siân Heder’s vital filmmaking, each has shown a profound impact on screen storytelling. It’s our privilege to recognize their achievements as we gather to celebrate another exceptional year in film and rally support for TIFF’s ongoing work.”
TIFF has begun rolling out its lineup, with more news to come this week and into next. The 51st edition of TIFF will take place September 10-20. The language below comes courtesy of the festival.
Penélope Cruz – TIFF Special Tribute Award, presented by Chanel
The Special Tribute Award recognizes an individual who has made an extraordinary and unique contribution to the world of film, leaving a lasting legacy through their dedication and artistry. Previous recipients include Lee Byung Hun, Zacharias Kunuk, and Jafar Panahi (2025), Zhao Tao (2024), Andy Lau (2023), Dionne Warwick (2021), and David Foster (2019).
Lee Chang-dong – TIFF Ebert Director Award, presented by The Tory Family
Named after legendary film critic Roger Ebert, the award recognizes visionary filmmakers who have made a transformative impact on cinema. Past recipients include Guillermo del Toro (2025), Mike Leigh (2024), Spike Lee (2023), Sam Mendes (2022), Denis Villeneuve (2021), and Chloé Zhao (2020).
Rosalind Eleazar – TIFF Tribute Performer Award
Isabelle Huppert – TIFF Tribute Performer Award
The TIFF Tribute Performer Award recognizes an overall body of work. Past recipients are Nina Hoss and Channing Tatum (2025), Amy Adams and Jharrel Jerome (2024), Colman Domingo and Vicky Krieps (2023), Brendan Fraser and the ensemble cast of “My Policeman” (2022), Jessica Chastain and Benedict Cumberbatch (2021), Kate Winslet and Sir Anthony Hopkins (2020), plus Meryl Streep and Joaquin Phoenix (2019).
Previously bestowed upon Idris Elba, Angelina Jolie, Pedro Almodóvar, Mira Nair, and Alanis Obomsawin, the TIFF Tribute Award in Impact Media is presented by Anne-Marie Canning and recognizes leadership in creating a union between social impact and cinema.
The Tribute Awards gala is TIFF’s largest annual fundraiser and a world-class celebration of cinematic excellence, with proceeds supporting expanded access to cinema, championing artists, strengthening the industry, and bringing communities together through film. Presented in partnership with Rolex, with support from RBC, Don Julio, and Fairmont Royal York Hotel.